The Cleveland Cavaliers became the eighth team to jump out to a 12-0 start in NBA history on Monday. Their hot start is highlighted by one of the league’s top offenses. The Cavs are averaging a league-leading 122.4 points per game, nearly 10 points more per contest than they averaged the year before. They have scored 130 points or more on five occasions this year.
Cleveland’s starters and bench players alike have made their impact on a surging Cavaliers roster. Six Cavs are averaging double-digit points, including every one of Cleveland’s big four. The Cavaliers are leading the league in three-point and field goal percentage. Their bench ranks tied for sixth in the league in points per game and third in assists per contest.
Who are some of the most underrated Cavs during the 2024-25 NBA season?
3 Most Underrated Cleveland Cavaliers During the Cavs’ 12-0 Season Start
Ty Jerome
Guard Ty Jerome is undergoing a breakout season as he enters his second year with the Cavs. The former Virginia guard is shooting career-bests in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and averaging a career-high in steals per game. He ended a six-point win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday with six assists and three steals.
Jerome’s underrated role with the Cavs can further solidify a guard rotation that is already proving its worth this year. His ability to pick off the ball and gain extra possessions has proven invaluable for the team’s defense. He will continue to open up the team’s offense if he can easily find open teammates behind the arc and in the paint.
Isaac Okoro
Forward Isaac Okoro has started in the last five games, including in a key win over the Golden State Warriors. The former top-five pick is hitting just over 48% of his shots from the three-point line. He hit four of his six long-range shots in Cleveland’s dominant win over the Warriors last Friday.
Okoro’s three-point shooting haa steadily improved over his five years with Cleveland, but he has found his stride at just the right moment. The former Auburn forward has played a vital role in the Cavs’ attack from long range. He must keep hitting his shots from the perimeter at a high level for the Cavs to keep expanding their offense and reaching new heights compared to years past.
Sam Merrill
Guard Sam Merrill is connecting 36.7% from the three-point line on five attempts per contest. He has hit 40% or more of his tries on six occasions this season. In his third year with Cleveland, he made five of his nine shots from beyond the arc during a close win over the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this month. His off-ball movement and quick release led to three-straight three-point makes in the first quarter.
Merrill’s three-point shooting has been inconsistent in the past but steadied out at 40.4% last season. His presence from beyond the arc is a much-needed part of a new-look offense under head coach Kenny Atkinson. Depth will be the ultimate key for the Cavs as they enter the postseason. Merrill can provide that and more if he continues his stellar play from long range.
