Cavs Notes: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Sam Merrill

While most people have the Cavaliers pegged for a first- or second-round playoff exit, they have higher expectations for themselves.

At least, the players do, as relayed in a story by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

“We expect to be not just a playoff team but a contender,” guard Donovan Mitchell said, via Fedor. “I think we believe. It’s one thing to believe it at first but then to see it and feel it. More believers now than we were at the beginning of the year. Just going out there, laying that foundation ana d continuing to build. Games like tonight help. This is a team that has been to the Finals, been in the playoffs every year since I’ve been in the league.”

Mitchell scored 44 in Wednesday’s road loss to the defending Eastern Conference champion Celtics. The Cavs don’t have the playoff know-how of the teams in front of them. Along with the Celtics, that group consists of the Bucks and 76ers.

Those teams have been there before. Key members of the Cavs’ core have not — such as point guard Darius Garland, power forward Evan Mobley and small forward Isaac Okoro. Center Jarrett Allen has been to the playoffs once, as a member of the Nets.

“Obviously, it’s no secret that we lack the experience. When people talk, we’re not in their top three or whatever it is, and that’s fine, but the biggest thing for us is we believe we can not just make the playoffs but make a deep run,” Mitchell said, via Fedor. “It’s all a learning experience and about continuing to get better, so, when we get to the playoffs, whatever seed we are, we’re ready.”

Garland seemed to agree.

“It’s a long season so there’s going to be ups and downs and the East is fluctuating a lot more now,” he said. “It’s a couple contenders and I think we’re one of them.”

• I have lots of related Dribbles, with some thoughts on where the Cavs stand and their overall direction, right here.
• Also, in case you missed it, the Cavs are signing guard Sam Merrill to a 10-day contract. Merrill was both the final pick of the NBA Draft (2020) and the first pick of the G League Draft (2022). He has been standing out for the G League’s Cleveland Charge, and is expected to sign with the Cavs on Friday. You can check out more here.

Merrill averaging 17.5 points and shooting about 44 pct on 3s in G League this season.

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) March 1, 2023