Caris LeVert is entering his fourth season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and each year has seen him take on a different role. The Cavaliers initially acquired LeVert after Ricky Rubio’s ACL injury left them in need of another ball-handler to complement Darius Garland and facilitate the involvement of their three big men. LeVert stepped into this role by joining the starting lineup as the shooting guard.
Cavaliers Recent Roster Moves Reveal Role For ‘Swiss Army Knife’
However, after Cleveland traded for Donovan Mitchell, LeVert’s responsibilities changed significantly. He transitioned to a bench role, often closing games as a small forward. This new position required him to guard the opposing team’s top wing players while also adjusting to a spot-up shooting role alongside Garland and Mitchell.
The following season brought yet another shift in his duties. When Ty Jerome, the planned backup point guard, was injured just two games into the season, LeVert was asked to take on more point guard duties. Although he no longer closed games at small forward due to Max Strus’s presence, LeVert’s role shifted towards being more of a play creator rather than just a finisher. He was highly effective in this role, assisting on 26% of the Cavaliers’ baskets when he was on the court, which placed him in the 96th percentile for wings, while maintaining a low turnover rate of just 10.3% of possessions.
What his role will likely be in 2024-25
LeVert’s role on Cleveland in the 2024-25 season is likely to remain focused on being a backup point guard and ball-handler out of necessity. This expectation is based on the combination of his past performance and the Cavaliers’ current roster situation.
During the 2023-24 season, LeVert proved his value by stepping up in various roles, especially during periods when either Mitchell or Garland was sidelined due to injuries. His versatility allowed him to fill the void left by these star players, often taking on primary ball-handling duties and creating offensive opportunities for his teammates. His ability to adapt was critical in maintaining the Cavaliers’ competitiveness, especially during those challenging stretches.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, the Cavaliers’ bench still lacks experienced ball-handlers. The team has the same cast of sophomore Craig Porter Jr. and Jerome from last season. While Porter Jr. has potential, relying on a second-year player with limited experience may not be ideal for a team with playoff aspirations. Jerome, on the other hand, is returning from a significant injury, making it uncertain how effective he will be.
Given these circumstances, LeVert’s role as a backup point guard becomes even more crucial. His experience and proven ability to handle the ball under pressure make him a reliable option off the bench. Additionally, his capacity to create plays was evidenced by his 3.9 assists per game last season. It further solidifies his importance in this role. The Cavaliers need a steady hand to manage the offense when Mitchell or Garland is resting. LeVert’s track record suggests he can be that player.
Recent Roster Moves
Furthermore, the Cavaliers’ offseason moves have not significantly altered their guard rotation. It reinforces the likelihood that LeVert will continue to play a key role in their backcourt. The team’s primary addition this off-season is the drafting of Jaylon Tyson with the 20th pick of the 2024 NBA draft. It’s still not clear how the Cavaliers will utilize him. As a result, LeVert remains one of the few experienced ball-handlers available off the bench, making his role even more indispensable.
In conclusion, while LeVert’s versatility allows him to contribute in various capacities, the Cavaliers’ current roster composition and the lack of proven ball-handlers behind their starting guards make it almost certain that he will remain in a backup point guard role. This necessity-driven position ensures that LeVert will continue to be a critical component of the Cavaliers’ rotation in the 2024-25 season.
