CLEVELAND, Ohio — While Cavs fans fret about the team’s inconsistent start, NBA executives are seeing something different: one of the league’s most impressive front offices.

In The Athletic’s annual survey of 36 executives, Cleveland’s brain trust climbed from 8th to 6th, receiving two second-place votes and appearing on 14 ballots overall.

What exactly has impressed the league’s decision-makers? It’s not just the blockbuster moves, but Cleveland’s uncanny ability to find value where others see nothing.

“In a variety of regards, they’re really good,” said an exec who had the Cavaliers on their ballot. “What Cleveland has done with the back end of their roster in terms of talent identification is really impressive beyond the stars. Look at the guys who they have grown internally who ha

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