The Cleveland Cavaliers got to this place with a lot of savvy moves. Koby Altman was a deserving Executive of the Year candidate for his work putting this roster together. From drafting Darius Garland and Evan Mobley to trading for Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell, without Altman this team is not hosting a playoff series.
Yet the flip side of the coin is also true. The Cavaliers are down 3-1 to the New York Knicks because of the shaping of this roster by Altman. The Cavs’ stars have not played at their best, but they also are experiencing real roster construction barriers to competing.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made some mistakes
The Knicks are flush with useful depth, from their backup centers to a plethora of wings to key understudies to each of their stars capable of popping off at any point. The Cavs can essentially play one way, while the Knicks have the depth and versatility to adapt to a number of situations.
Why can’t the Cavaliers match the Knicks’ depth? Part of that answer lies in the trade for Donovan Mitchell, which limits the team’s assets moving forward; that deal was absolutely a success for Cleveland. Yet other moves look much worse in hindsight; let’s break down three that have resulted in the Cavaliers’ disadvantage in the present day.