Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Reasons They’re The Current Title Favorites

4. Superior Depth

Last year, everyone lamented the Cavs’ title chances because they were so short on quality bench depth, while the Warriors went 12-deep. Part of Golden State’s success all season long was its second unit, while the Cavs had to ride their starting five for most of the postseason.

In 2017, that narrative has completely flip-flopped. Though the Dubs’ bench is better than people realize, it’s a mostly unproven second unit in the context of playoff experience. Cleveland’s depth, however, is much better than it was last year, which is scary for a team that could breeze through the improved East simply by virtue of their starting five.

Deron Williams gives LeBron the secondary playmaker he’s been waiting for. Andrew Bogut provides Cleveland with frontcourt depth behind Tristan Thompson, rim protection in a pinch and an inside track to getting underneath the Warriors’ skin as he seeks revenge for being shipped off to make room for KD.

Even Derrick Williams, who will be signed for the remainder of the season after his second 10-day contract expires, has been a tremendous help with Love sidelined. And how could we forget sharpshooter Kyle Korver, who’s posting .500/.500/.889 shooting splits since joining the Cavs?

Between the two D-Wills, Bogut, Korver, Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson, Cleveland’s bench has a TON of experience, talent and three-point shooting to fall back on — behind an already stellar starting lineup of Kyrie, J.R., LeBron, Love and Thompson.

The Warriors have the NBA’s best starting five with a healthy KD, but outside of Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston, their second unit will rely on JaVale McGee, David West, Ian Clark, rookie Patrick McCaw and Matt Barnes. Advantage, Cleveland.