3 Cleveland Cavaliers players that need a bigger role next season
By John Suchan
Cavs player No. 3 needing a bigger role: Lamar Stevens
Stevens really improved for the Cavaliers as the season went on. He was better in almost all parts of his game in his second season in the league. What you have to love the most is his tenacious defense he’d bring on every possession. From a numbers view, he increased his scoring average from 4.1 to 6.1. He started 13 games and played in 63 games compared to the 40 games he played in in his first season.
He scored over 10 points in 11 games this season compared to accomplishing that three times a year ago in his first year, which began with him on a two-way deal. He increased his steals of at least one in a game from 12 last season to 21 games this season. So he was contributing in many areas this now-past season.
His minutes played per game improved to 16.1 this season and that needs to be up over 20 minutes next season for the team to take advantage of his talents.
The biggest reason for an increase in playing time is that his time on the court usually meant a better defensive effort by the team. He was getting more time on the court by seasons end and hopefully that will continue next season.