The team won't admit it publicly but any way it's viewed, the Cavs are short a point guard. Add the continuing uncertainty surrounding Delonte West and it is only clearer.

At the moment it might not be a fatal flaw. If everything goes to plan it might not even matter. But if there is one sure thing, it is that things rarely go according to plan as West is currently proving.

West began a second leave this season Wednesday, this one excused, to handle personal matters. He also had not played in either the open scrimmage or first preseason game. There's no denying that is worrying.

"We're concerned about the state of Delonte because we want him here," LeBron James said. "You want your full team to see what your full potential is but at the same time we're going to give him time."

James didn't say he was concerned about the point guard situation.

But deep down he and his teammates must be to some degree.

The Cavs' depth chart at point guard looks like this: 1. Mo Williams; 2. West; 3. Daniel Gibson; 4. Anthony Parker. There are also two young point guards in training camp, Andre Barrett and Russell Robinson.

"[Gibson] is a capable backup and we have a couple other young guys we're looking at," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "In top of that you have a guy like Anthony Parker, who has started at point guard in this league, and you have LeBron. So we feel our ball-handling capabilities are above average."

Williams is an All-Star so that's easy. But West is a combo guard who doesn't spend the whole game at point. Right now, as much space as the Cavs are giving him and as much hope and goodwill they harbor that he'll be fine in the long run, West isn't dependable. It is questionable whether he'll be ever be dependable this season.

Then there's the rest. In the opinion of many, Gibson is not a point guard. That includes his longtime personal coach John Lucas. The former Cavs coach and current Los Angeles Clippers assistant has been saying that for years even as he's worked with Gibson during the summers.

The Cavs are giving Gibson chances even if the results on the floor have been mixed.

"I think Boobie can do a really good job," James said. "He's worked on it and he's been running the team great in practice."

Parker is a shooting guard and has only played point guard in emergencies. James often starts the offense and can act as the point guard. But having him there undercuts one of the Cavs' missions this season, which is to start more plays with James off the ball.

Barrett and Robinson are long shots to make the roster, though Brown said he's been impressed with Barrett in training camp.

Which, despite what they are saying, has to leave them considering some options. It is possible the Cavs will go a little further into training camp to see if things stabilize with West or Gibson or either of the camp invitees makes a surge.

But another option is to consider the free-agent market, which is stocked with veteran point guards looking for work.

It includes players like Tyronn Lue, who has been to the NBA Finals with the Lakers and Magic; former Cav and efficient offense operator Brevin Knight; Jacque Vaughn, who won a title with the San Antonio Spurs, and even Cleveland native Earl Boykins, who led his team to a championship in Italy last season.

Signing such a player would no doubt serve more as an insurance policy than a difference-maker. But with everything at stake this season, the Cavs may find themselves needing some protection.

No comment: After James' withering assessment of Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards after a reported fight at a nightclub Monday, James had no reaction to the news Edwards been traded to the New York Jets.

"I have nothing to comment on," James said. "I've never been asked before about a trade in the NFL, it's not my sport to worry about."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: bwindhorst@plaind.com, 216-999-5166