At this point, I recognize that two-way man Lamar Stevens has a ways to go offensively for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is not a three-point shooting presence, as he’s hit only two of 17 triple attempts on the season, for one.
Stevens has had 4.0 points in 13.6 minutes per outing in 26 appearances thus far, and on the year, has had an offensive rating of just 97.6 and an effective field goal shooting clip of 41.7 percent.
He has largely done a commendable job on the defensive end of the floor, though. And to give Isaac Okoro some relief defensively, and with how Cedi Osman has been struggling for the most part as of late, I’d like to see Stevens back in there some for Cleveland.
Kevin Love, after returning briefly in two games, has missed the Cavs’ past two as well, in relation to his calf strain that’s hampered him. And while Larry Nance Jr. has returned from a fractured left hand, Stevens could at times play at the 4 some for the Cavs, even, as he has in his minutes-share a considerable chunk of the time.
Anyway, from my perspective, Stevens could aid Cleveland in coming games.
The Cavs should get Stevens back in there for spurts.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ energy seemed better I thought to close out that Miami game, and I credit the likes of Nance for that, to an extent, Okoro and even Dean Wade. Cleveland had that when they needed it against the Boston Celtics in a Wednesday W, too, which was a plus.
But Stevens has played essentially just eight minutes in the past three games, and did not play against Miami or Boston. With the defensive abilities he has, and with him at least proving to be a highly capable cutter and finisher via some drives, I’d like to see him in there some.
In 12-13 minutes or so, Stevens should be able to provide a quality defensive lift, and in that realm, his positional versatility to defend 2’s and 3’s, and even 4’s on a number of occasions, has been meaningful in spurts for Cleveland.
And in regards to the team defensive aspect, although Stevens does pick up some aggressive fouls, which I don’t mind, honestly, he is a willing helper, and has had a respectable 1.1 steals-per-36 minutes. His athleticism and timing as a rotator has led to a healthy 2.0 percent block rate for an undrafted rookie two-way wing/forward, too.
Granted, we’d have to see as far as the minutes-share, but to give Okoro a breather here and there, and with Osman having his share of problems as a shooter lately/him not being known for his defense, I’d like to see Stevens cut a bit into his minutes. He could perhaps be on the floor with Cedi, anyhow, though, along with Dylan Windler.
In any case, while Stevens again does need to improve as a perimeter shooter in the offseason, feasibly, he is an instinctive cutter, can initiate/play through contact, and has actually been able to get some timely buckets via mid-range pull-ups.
He seems to be figuring out how to time up his off-ball looks better in burn with Darius Garland lately, too, and I’d think could get some of those sort of looks from a quality passing big in Nance as well.
Additionally, in relation to the other end, Lamar has had a solid 6.4 rebounds per-36 minutes, which could help out the likes of Jarrett Allen and others.
And with the league reportedly lifting the 50-game limit of two-way player appearances with their NBA teams for this season and/or enabling them to play in postseason games, Stevens should get back in there for the Cleveland Cavaliers in spurts more. For more on what was previously proposed and again, reportedly approved, you can view that here, for context.
So to drive it home further, also factoring in Taurean Prince being banged up (left ankle/shoulder), and Osman’s struggles, even with both being rumored trade candidates, they haven’t exactly been increasing their value of late.
Moreover, all things considered, Cleveland should look to get Stevens back in there in coming games for spurts, as he had been providing energy in games leading into the All-Star break.