The All-NBA First Team announcement is always bound to stir up debates, but this year’s pick had fans downright shocked—and not in a good way. Donovan Mitchell, the Cleveland Cavaliers star, made the First Team alongside MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum.
But while those names made sense to most fans, Mitchell’s inclusion sparked instant outrage online. Let’s just say fans weren’t exactly celebrating his first-time honor.
Fans Think Donovan Mitchell Got a Free Pass to the All-NBA First Team
Mitchell had a solid season, no doubt. He averaged 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and five assists on 44.3% shooting. The Cavs went 55-16 in the 71 games Mitchell played with them. His résumé also included a sixth straight All-Star appearance and a stat line that placed him among just three players alongside Curry and Tatum to notch 24-4-5 stats with over 200 made 3-pointers.
Still, NBA fans couldn’t wrap their heads around how Mitchell landed First-Team honors over names like Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, and especially Jalen Brunson.
“Donovan Mitchell over Stephen Curry, “NBA, are we serious?” one fan wrote, pairing the disbelief with a crying emoji.
Donovan Mitchell over Stephen curry😭 nba are we serious
— Jimmy Butler Muse (@ButlerlllMuse)
Another user was even more stunned to see Mitchell ranked ahead of Minnesota’s rising star: “Donovan Mitchell 1st team over Ant?” they asked, referencing Edwards’ breakout campaign.
“Donovan Mitchell” 1st team over Ant pic.twitter.com/boyVhuJaAu
— ִֶָ (@thatguyterence)
Brunson, however, seemed to be the name most fans believed was snubbed. One user wrote, “Who voted Mitchell over Brunson? Must’ve voted for Mitchell because the Cavs had the best record in the East. Brunson is clearly the better player and should be 1st team.”
Who voted Mitchell over Brunson? Must’ve voted for Mitchell because the Cavs had the best record in the East. Brunson is clearly the better player and should be 1st team.
— Brian K. Wright (@bkwright121)
Another added, “Brunson > Mitchell, and it’s not even close.”
Brunson > Mitchell and it’s not even close
— Mr Binds (@binds33)
In fairness, Brunson did have a case. He averaged 26.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while appearing in 77 games this season – five more than Mitchell. Yet, he finished with just 232 total points and landed on the All-NBA Second Team.
Meanwhile, Mitchell received 61 out of 100 first-place votes and totaled 414 points overall. In fact, he was the only First-Teamer who didn’t receive a unanimous selection from the media panel.
One fan couldn’t believe what they were reading: “Does that say ‘Donovan Mitchell?'” they posted, clearly in disbelief.
does that say "Donovan Mitchell" https://t.co/pnHUbI6lrh pic.twitter.com/BLvKfE8h0G
— ' (@HoodieOrtega)
Others simply laughed it off. “Mitchell over Brunson and Ant,” one wrote with a string of laughing emojis.
Mitchell over Brunson and ant 😂😂😂
— Gabe (@chunguapo)
Even Curry, who averaged 24.5 points, six assists, and 4.4 rebounds while becoming the first player in NBA history to hit 4,000 3s, couldn’t make the cut. His 70-game season and improved defensive effort seemingly weren’t enough to earn him First-Team recognition, especially compared to Mitchell, who played fewer games and had similar efficiency numbers.
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Despite all the drama, this marks a major milestone for Mitchell. He’s now just the third player in Cavaliers history to earn All-NBA First Team status, joining King James and Mark Price. Still, while the history books may be kind to Mitchell, the fans aren’t holding back.
