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All-Star Break Awards: Is Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell the squad MVP?

By Chad Porto

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 23: Darius Garland #10 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during a free-throw against the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Raptors defeated the Cavaliers 118-107. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 23: Darius Garland #10 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during a free-throw against the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Raptors defeated the Cavaliers 118-107. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 18: Ricky Rubio #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket during the first half of the game against Tyus Jones #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 18, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 18: Ricky Rubio #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket during the first half of the game against Tyus Jones #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 18, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Sixth Man of the Year: Ricky Rubio

Runner up: Cedi Osman

This was supposed to be Kevin Love’s award, but injuries derailed his season, and now the team has moved on from him, buying him out and allowing him to go to the Miami Heat. This has left a void that four names have been trying to fill; Dean Wade, Caris LeVert, Cedi Osman, and Ricky Rubio.

The Cavs are a bit lucky in this regard, but there’s a reason that LeVert and Wade aren’t being considered for the award. Wade is a better and more athletic energy guy off the bench than Love was, but he isn’t the same rebounder or scorer, even if he’s a defensive upgrade. The lack of offense hurts Wade. LeVert is a high-usage guy with a good defensive ranking but his offense has been offensive. He doesn’t improve the team and the squad seems to be as bad off if he scores 20 points or two.

Osman, on the other hand, has been such a force that the team has a near-losing record without him playing 20 minutes. The team has a significantly better record when he breaks 20 minutes.

That said, the obvious answer is Rubio, who since returning has improved not only the team’s perimeter defense but has also been a sparkplug for the offense, improving the second unit’s output.

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