The Cavs have reconstructed Caris LeVert into their X-factor

There are certain players in this league that always seem to be more theoretical than substantive. Cam Reddish has struggled to apply his skill level to tangible on-court value. Jonathan Isaac is injured so often it is easy to forget he is an NBA player. Karl-Anthony Towns’ play does not have a desirable correlation with his winning percentage.

Caris LeVert has long been pegged as “loaded with potential”, a perennial breakout contender, etc. He enters this season 28 years old, coming off a disappointing close to last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Injuries have contributed to the cause, but a brazen playstyle has prevented him from taking the elusive leap. LeVert sports a dynamic skill set with an arsenal of dribble-moves, body contortions, space-creation, and pull-up packages.

The way Caris and other guys like him (Jordan Clarkson, Terrence Ross, Julius Randle, etc.) hold their head, one would think they are a star. However, despite their confidence and poise, they lack the skill level to match their skill set.

LeVert takes a lot of shots in the mid-range and beyond, but his career 3P% of 33.3% and FT% of 73.7% don’t suggest the volume at which he hunts these shots being a good idea. Bumbling efficiency and hero ball have turned him into a relatively unwanted commodity, as teams have begun to accept that this is just who Caris is.

But… what if that is not the case. Certainly the Cavs are just falling into the trap, just like so many other teams before them. Potentially giving him a starting position cannot be a good idea, right?