Ranking the 10 best Big 3s in the 2023-24 NBA season
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: Darius Garland #10 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate in the second half against the New York Knicks during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
6. Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley
Donovan Mitchell’s arrival changed the trajectory of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite their early exit from the playoffs last year, the team and its Big 3 are still on the upswing.
Spida Mitchell was always a player to be feared in Salt Lake City, but he took it to another level during his first season in Cleveland. He averaged 28.3 points per game and shot 48.4 percent from the field. He immediately justified the trade package that landed him with the Cavs.
Mitchell also slid in nicely next to Darius Garland, who earned the nod over Collin Sexton as Cleveland’s floor generate of the future. Where Mitchell had to work to make plays in Utah, Garland shoulders that burden in Cleveland, allowing Mitchell to find his own opportunities on the offensive end much quicker.
Jarrett Allen is a great young big man, but the third member of this Big 3 needs to be Evan Mobley for the Cavs to hit their potential. After an incredible rookie season, the USC alum ran into a sophomore slump, proving to be more inconsistent than expected and failing to break out in a big way.
Mobley’s already an elite defender, but his offensive games need refining, particularly his shooting. He should be able to space out the floor better, making it easier for him and Allen to be on the court at the same time and create a two-headed defensive monster.
While Mobley needs to be more refined in Year 3, the whole trio could use improvement come the postseason, as evidenced by the New York Knicks rolling over Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs last year. The potential of this Big 3 remains through the roof.