Three-time NBA champion Danny Green is not surprised by the Cleveland Cavaliers’ strong start to the 2024-25 season. The team, currently leading the Eastern Conference with a 22-4 record, has been one of the hottest teams in the league.
Green, who was selected by the Cavaliers with the 46th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, believes Cleveland’s success can be attributed to the right blend of coaching and team cohesion. “They’ve been a good group,” Green told NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
After a significant coaching change in the offseason, the Cavaliers hired Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. Atkinson’s leadership has been instrumental in the team’s early success.
Despite the challenges of integrating a new coaching staff, Cleveland has hit the ground running, posting an impressive 15-game win streak to start the season. This marked the fourth time in NBA history that a team began a season with such a record and set a franchise record for the longest winning streak.
Green, who has seen his fair share of successful teams, acknowledges that the Cavaliers have built something special. “They’ve kept that group together for a couple of years,” Green said. “The fact that they’re winning games with guys being out — the execution part of it and with a new coach and new coaching staff.”
In the past, teams with new coaching regimes often experience growing pains. However, Cleveland has defied expectations. Atkinson’s seamless integration into the Cavaliers’ system has played a huge role in their quick turnaround. Green credits the team’s cohesiveness and ability to execute under pressure as key factors in their success.
While Cleveland has been propelled by the leadership of Donovan Mitchell, Green insists the team’s success is not solely dependent on him. “It’s lazy to say it’s Donovan Mitchell’s Cavs,” Green said. “The team is full of young talent and vets that are serious about winning.”
Mitchell, who is often regarded as the face of the Cavaliers, has been a major factor in their strong performance. However, Green highlights the balanced approach Cleveland has taken, where Mitchell has embraced playing within the flow of the offense, rather than forcing the issue.
“Darius [Garland] plays his game, and Evan [Mobley] brings the ball up,” Green said. “That’s more of a ‘Kenny Atkinson’ thing, but Mitchell’s role in this dynamic has been crucial.” Green emphasizes that Mitchell is not just a scorer but a leader who encourages his teammates to shine.
Green also pointed out that Mitchell’s unselfish approach to leadership has allowed other players to step up. His willingness to take a backseat when necessary has fostered a sense of team-first mentality that has helped the Cavaliers perform at a high level, even with some players missing games.
