The Cleveland Cavaliers have one of the most interesting and promising starting fives in the NBA. However, they aren’t currently playing like a unit that could take this team to the Finals, let alone the playoffs.
After a shocking defeat at the hands of the Charlotte Hornets, Cavaliers fans are worried. They are not seeing what they want from this team, especially with all the money the front office is spending. Writing on social media, Chris Fedor pointed out that the team’s starting lineup just isn’t cutting it.
Only a couple of teams have worse net ratings, and one of those teams is missing one of its biggest stars.
“After whatever the hell tonight was in Charlotte, #Cavs starting lineup of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen has a net rating of -17.4 this season. The only starting lineups worse are Phoenix and Utah (since Jaren Jackson Jr. got hurt),” Fedor wrote.
After whatever the hell tonight was in Charlotte, #Cavs starting lineup of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen has a net rating of -17.4 this season. The only starting lineups worse are Phoenix and Utah (since Jaren Jackson Jr. got hurt).
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) November 10, 2026
The dysfunction of the starting five was on full display Monday night, when Charlotte’s players were able to get just about anything they wanted over Cleveland. Once again, James Harden was lacking, Evan Mobley wasn’t playing well when the ball wasn’t in his hands, and even Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen came up short. Peyton Watson’s struggles continued, and the unit collectively looked out of energy.
The Cavaliers are putting hundreds of millions into this team, and they have a clear goal in mind: a strong playoff run. The Eastern Conference is far stronger this year, and there is no doubt that Cleveland won’t be able to take any of their opponents down in the postseason if they keep playing like this.
Some fans are already calling on the front office to plan trades that can improve the meager net rating. Unfortunately, with big contracts and subpar performances, the team’s options are limited right now.
For a number of reasons, the Cavaliers absolutely need to boost their net rating as soon as possible.
NEXT: Insider Calls Out The Cavs’ $180 Million Problem
