3 reasons Caris LeVert should start for Cavs after the All-Star break

#2: Strengthening the bench

With LeVert moving into the starter’s role, that would mean a player like Isaac Okoro or Dean Wade would move to the bench. Since the Cavs have been without Lauri Markkanen, with an ankle injury the last month, Wade has been inserted into the starting five. However, Markkanen seems to be ready to come back soon and that would leave Okoro the odd man out if the team were to put LeVert in with the starters.

LeVert’s overall defensive game is a bit suspect so what you gain in offense the Cavaliers would lose in defense with him in the game. However, on the same hand having both Okoro and Wade available off the bench would cement the team’s defense especially when they go up against the opponent’s second-string players.

Cleveland already has Kevin Love and Cedi Osman coming in off the bench and providing a great offensive one-two punch to opponents. Now, in this scenario, you would add in players like Okoro and Wade and you have an excellent group of bench players that can compete with most starting five rotations in the league.

One of the highlights of the season has been the play of the bench. It’s been one of the main reasons that the Cavaliers are fourth in the conference standings. It’s also a part of the team that will be counted on as the team approaches the postseason for the first time in four years. Making this part of the team stronger is very important.

I’ve always been big on defense is how you win in the league come crunch time and Cavs would still be fine there if LeVert went to the starting rotation.