Fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers were hoping for a dominant game on Monday night, a big, rousing success over the short-handed Charlotte Hornets. Instead, they got yet another loss and growing concerns about where this team is headed.
Speaking on 92.3 The Fan, Jason Lloyd laid out his worries and issues with the Cavs. He mentioned just how much the front office is paying some of its biggest stars, including James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley.
He also noted that head coach Kenny Atkinson – who is well-loved by the team – could be digging himself a big hole with each additional loss.
“All I know is they had 180 million sitting on the bench last night watching the comeback. And that’s problematic,” Lloyd said.
“All I know is they had 180 million sitting on the bench last night watching the comeback. And that's problematic.”
➡️ @ByJasonLloyd w/ @SportsBoyTony & @KenCarman discusses the #Cavs' concerning start, Kenny Atkinson's job security and the struggles of James Harden, Donovan… pic.twitter.com/5tbkE0tEDI
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 10, 2026
The addition of Harden was supposed to be the missing piece that this team needed. He was a ball-handling shooter who could play perfectly alongside Mitchell. Instead, he hasn’t been performing up to snuff. During Monday’s loss against the Hornets, he produced just 11 points, going 3-for-9 from the field.
To be fair, no one in the starting lineup got it going, and it was Meleek Thomas off the bench who had the most points, with 18. Mitchell, Mobley, Allen, and Peyton Watson were all struggling in their own ways.
The problem for Cleveland is that they have so much money wrapped up in this current roster. If they want to make changes, they will have to convince other teams to take on the hefty contracts, and that’s a tall order, especially when the players aren’t doing well.
Years ago, Harden could have brought in quite a return to Cleveland. Now, it would be difficult to find a suitable candidate for a trade, and most front offices would balk at the idea of signing him.
The Cavaliers are spending a lot and, right now, not getting much in exchange for it. They now have a 5-6 record, which is concerning.
The red lights are flashing, and they will only get brighter if things don’t change within the next few weeks.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Raises Eyebrows With Comments After Loss To Hornets
