Cavs: Ranking starters at every position in Central Division

Cavs: Ranking starters at every position in Central Division – Shooting Guards

5. Saddiq Bey

The third and final first-round draft selection last year by the Detroit Pistons, Saddiq Bey was far and away the best of the group. He not only played well defensively and as a spot-up shooter, he showed some playmaking and shot creation juice when the ball was in his hands. This is a strong position for the Central Division, and his 5th-place ranking isn’t meant to communicate anything about his upside. Bey is really good, and the Pistons have a long-term starter in place already.

4. Caris LeVert

The Indiana Pacers took a flier on Caris LeVert during the James Harden blockbuster trade, and given Victor Oladipo’s struggles and injury issues since it has been a validated decision even with LeVert coming on slowly with injuries of his own. LeVert can get his own and has the tools to be a solid defender; if he can develop as a player who is dangerous even without the ball he will become a long-term starter; if not the Pacers likely replace him with Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday or even Chris Duarte.

3. Donte DiVincenzo

It stinks that Donte DiVincenzo missed most of the postseason, including the NBA Finals, due to injury. He has developed into a valuable piece for the Bucks, spotting up while the stars have the ball but able to attack closeouts and fight on defense. Adding him back in gives the Bucks a lot of versatility with lineups and the option to have a five-man defensive glove out there without giving up offensive juice.

2. Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton and Donte DiVincenzo are similarly impactful players in very different situations. Playing with the Bucks DiVincenzo has lower numbers but better metrics; Sexton is the opposite scoring buckets for a poor team. The Cavs have to climb out of their rebuild to truly see whether Sexton’s scoring is inflated by the situation or whether he can elevate his teammates around him. Either way, 24.3 points per game is impressive for anyone.

1. Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine was once a hyper-athletic chucker who the Minnesota Timberwolves tried to shoehorn in as a point guard. Fast forward and LaVine is efficient, confident and is utilizing the playmaking skills he developed to lead the Chicago offense from the 2-guard position. His time with Team USA should only help him try to bring together a new-look lineup and propel them into postseason contention.