Cavs’ biggest roster hole? Depends who you ask

Training camp tips off in less than two weeks, and the Cavaliers look like contenders again.

But even with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland (when healthy) leading the way, the question remains — what’s the biggest hole left on the roster?

ESPN says it’s perimeter depth. Fair enough. Garland is coming off toe surgery, Max Strus won’t be back until at least December after a Jones fracture, and there’s always the chance of more injuries along the way.

By season’s end, though, that could turn into a strength. Mitchell remains an All-Star scorer. Garland will eventually be back. Strus is one of the better floor spacers in the East.

And the Cavs fortified things last February by adding De’Andre Hunter, then brought back Sam Merrill and reunited with Larry Nance Jr. this summer. Lonzo Ball also arrives as another ball-handling option.

To me, the bigger hole is behind Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Nance helps, but the Cavs don’t have that traditional banger down low — the type of backup center who can eat minutes, throw his weight around, and protect the rim when the games slow down in April and May.

The front office still has an open roster spot. A veteran big like Thomas Bryant, Mo Bamba, or Precious Achiuwa could check that box.

More Cavaliers | All coverage from Hoops Wire