Draymond Green has never been shy about big statements, and his latest one hits at the heart of Cleveland’s basketball identity: in his view, Kyrie Irving “owns” Cleveland more than Donovan Mitchell. Stripped of the shock value, his point taps into a larger debate about what defines a franchise icon in the modern NBA.

Mitchell is the present-day face of the Cavaliers, an All-NBA level guard who has restored relevance and expectations in Cleveland. He has delivered high-level scoring, big regular-season performances, and helped reestablish the Cavs as a factor in the Eastern Conference. From a pure talent and production standpoint, there’s a strong argument that Mitchell is already one of the most gifted guards to ever wear the uniform.

But Green is speaking the language of legacy, not box scores. Kyrie Irving’s connection to Cleveland is crystallized in one moment that still echoes across the league: the championship-clinching shot that delivered the city its first NBA title and ended a historic drought. That singular play, combined with multiple deep playoff runs and All-Star seasons there, cemented Irving’s place in Cavaliers lore in a way that is hard to replicate without a ring.

Around the NBA, this is how “ownership” of a city is often measured. It is not just about who is currently the best player on the roster, but who authored the chapter fans will tell their kids about. Titles, iconic shots, and parades through downtown streets carry a weight that regular-season brilliance can’t quite match.

Mitchell, to his credit, is still writing his Cleveland story. If he leads the Cavs to a Finals run or a championship, the conversation shifts instantly. Until then, Green’s stance reflects a common league perspective: the player who delivered a franchise’s ultimate high point holds a special, almost untouchable status.

In that sense, Kyrie’s imprint on Cleveland remains uniquely powerful, and Green is simply voicing what many around the NBA quietly acknowledge.