Donovan Mitchell tried a new scoop shot on Monday.
Cleveland’s All-Star guard picked up a shovel and joined other important people in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Cavaliers’ new training facility, which is set to open in 2027.
Mitchell and some teammates joined Mayor Justin Bibb and others to officially kick off the construction of the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center.
The facility will be 210,000 square feet and part of a large redevelopment along the Cuyahoga River. The project is funded by owner Dan Gilbert.
Mitchell, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Cavs this summer, said this space shows the team’s commitment to its players.
“We wanted to emphasize how much an investment like this means to us,” said the five-time All-Star, who joined the Cavs in a trade from Utah in 2022.
“Since I arrived here two years ago, I’ve just heard nothing but how serious Cleveland is about their sports. And seeing it shows how serious and how much they care about their players and the investment in their bodies.
“This is going to be huge for the longevity of our careers.”
The team has also extended its partnership with the Cleveland Clinic for 25 years.
The public will be able to use the center, which will offer high-tech testing and training equipment for athletes of different skill levels and other features.
The Cavs have been training in Independence, Ohio, since 2007. By moving downtown, they’ll be close to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where they play their home games.
Cleveland starts the season on Oct. 23 in Toronto before hosting its home opener two nights later against Detroit and former coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who was let go after leading the Cavs to the playoffs the past two seasons.
