Cavs not as deep as they thought they’d be, NBA exec says

It’s been an early struggle for the Cavaliers. They were expected to be an Eastern Conference contender after finishing 64-18 last season. They’ve looked like anything but in losing 14 of their first 29 games this year.

Part of the issue? Well, according to one rival NBA executive, the answer may be depth.

“The Cavs are not as deep as they thought they’d be. They’ve struck out on the margins,” the executive told Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal. “Trading for (De’Andre Hunter) was an all-in move that didn’t even help them even reach a Conference Final. Now he’s coming off the bench. Ty Jerome leaving created a big void that Lonzo Ball hasn’t filled… They’re paying (Max Strus) a lot and he fell off after the first year of his contract. They are very limited as far as possible changes are concerned.”

The exec is right. The Cavs are what’s known as a second-apron team — meaning they are incredibly handcuffed to make moves when it comes to the newer labor rules. The CBA doesn’t just punish owners with taxes anymore. Now it punishes general managers from making moves.

That’s where the Cavs are today.

As for depth, they traded Isaac Okoro as part of the ball deal with the Bulls and watched as Jerome left for the Grizzlies in free agency. Younger players such as Jaylon Tyson, Craig Porter Jr., and Nae’Qwan Tomlin have helped fill the gaps — but young players don’t win in the NBA.

And the Cavaliers aren’t winning nearly enough at the moment. That will only lead to doubts and chatter.