NBA executive believes Cavaliers found answer to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, ‘Didn’t have a guy like that before’

Their core quartet of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen have been playing brilliantly all year.

Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley earned All-Star nominations this year. And many felt Allen was snubbed, given how well he played this season.

But do they have enough to topple the Celtics in the playoffs? According to one NBA executive, they do, but it isn’t any of their four best players.

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Cleveland Cavaliers have potential Tatum and Brown stopper

In a survey of NBA GMs across the country, ESPN asked a question: Which team is better equipped to come out of the East between the Celtics and Cavaliers?

One anonymous executive believes the Cavaliers didn’t have enough to beat the Celtics before the deadline. But the addition of De’Andre Hunter at the deadline gives them a big body to put on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

“Before the Hunter trade, I would’ve said the Cavs were shakier. Hunter isn’t a lockdown guy, but he’s another option to throw on [Jayson] Tatum and [Jaylen] Brown, he’s having a career year.”

“They didn’t have a guy like that before. I think they can beat anybody. They are so balanced and steady, and they’re really not going to beat themselves.”

This anonymous executive isn’t the only person to express this sentiment. Kevin Garnett recently called De’Andre Hunter a ‘weapon’ and praised the Cavs for making the trade.

We ranked Hunter to the Cavaliers as the fourth biggest move on NBA trade deadline day. But that might become the biggest should it lead to a Cavaliers championship win.

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Not all GMs sold on Cavs

Another GM that ESPN spoke to believes the Cavaliers don’t have what it takes yet. He likened their situation to that of the Celtics a few years ago and claimed that they are missing a few pieces.

“I see the Cavs as where Boston was three years ago – A lot of promise, going the right way, but not there yet. They can definitely overachieve and make me look foolish for saying that, but I suspect the Celtics beat them.”

It’s hard to see the Cavaliers not reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this year. With the strong roster they have assembled, they have to make some noise in the post-season.

Playing against the Celtics will not be easy. The reigning NBA champions might not be having the same season they did last year, but they are still very dangerous.

But the Cavaliers have shown that they can beat the franchise. And if all their players continue their excellent form into the playoffs, they should be considered the favorites.