Before the season, Donovan Mitchell told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that he believed in his idea. Cleveland Cavaliers area “championship contender.” Less than a month later, they NBA‘s last remaining undefeated team won its first eight games.

At 8-0, the Cavs found themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Even though it’s early in the year, Cleveland looks like a force to be reckoned with. Mitchell and the team backed up his comments, which were probably wishful, if exaggerated. But the star combination may be onto something we’re here to discuss.

Was Mitchell right? Do the Cavaliers have legitimate championship aspirations? Or is this impressive start just a mirage and regression is inevitable?

According to StatMuse, Cleveland is one of three teams in the league with a top-10 scoring offense and defense this season. They are accompanied by two of the last three champions: Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors.

Typically playing at a high level on both ends of the floor, as the Cavs do, separates the good from the good in the Association. Frankly, calling them a top 10 two-wayer might be an understatement of just how hot they are.

Cleveland ranks second and fourth in offense (122.6) and defense (108.5), respectively. Mitchell led the way, and the resurgence of standout general Darius Garland and the continued rise of big man Evan Mobley certainly helped. Additionally, the appointment of Kenny Atkinson as head coach paid early dividends.

Atkinson hits all the right buttons and puts the pieces together beautifully. He unlocked Garland and put Mobley and frontcourt mate Jarrett Allen in positions to wreak havoc together rather than at odds with each other. These issues plagued them last season, causing many to question what Cleveland’s ceiling is with its current core. But the Cavs have allayed concerns so far.

In addition to its talented starter, Cleveland’s bench was also reliable. The second team’s 5.9 net rating ranks third after the Warriors and Oklahoma City. Reserves such as Caris LeVert, Ty Jerome, Georges Niang and Isaac Okoro made the most of their minutes and gave the Cavs a deep rotation.

If Cleveland’s stellar start to the season is any indication, Mitchell and the Cavaliers went about their business after the five-time All-Star made his shot.

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2024 NBA Draft class announced As bad as advertised and arguably worse. Still, among uninspiring newcomers, Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey is emerging as the clubhouse leader for Rookie of the Year honors.

After early foul trouble derailed him to start the campaign, Edey found his footing. He has scored double-digit points on 55.6 percent shooting or better in four consecutive contests and recorded double-doubles in back-to-back contests. Moreover, the 6-foot-10 big man has started to make his presence felt as a rim protector, taking six shots in his last three games.

Edey had the best boxing score of his young career in Memphis’ 106-104 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. She set new career highs in points (25), rebounds (12), blocks (four) and field goal percentage (91.7). Although a flawed statistic, his positive plus/minus over the Grizzlies’ last three games underscores his meaningful contributions.

Edey, who leads all rookie players in terms of numbers, averages 11.1 points per game. He is collecting 6.5 boards and nearly a block each night and converting 64.5 percent of his attempts. His combination of efficiency, scoring and defense firmly cements his claim as the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year, barring unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, playing on a Grizzlies roster with playoff hopes definitely helps him.

While statistics and on-field influences support Edey’s ROTY claim, the odds also solidify Edey’s situation. HE consensus favorite By a pretty wide margin at major sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesar, and FanDuel.