The Cavs have reconstructed Caris LeVert into their X-factor

What is different about LeVert this season?

As the clock ticks down for Cleveland’s regular season opener, the 6th-year swingman seems to be the frontrunner for the team’s starting small forward position. It is another unconventional fit, resembling the Lauri Markkanen situation from last season.

Standing alongside Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs are asking their starting small forward to play sound perimeter defense, catch-and-shoot, and keep the ball moving. Not necessarily things Caris has been known for.

They need him to be a connector. A guy who doesn’t hurt them, rather building off of what the team’s stars are doing out there offensively and defensively. There will still be times where they need #3 to make stuff happen, but the emphasis is on advantage maintaining, not advantage creating.

J.B. Bickerstaff has rolled out a blueprint of what they want from him, and it’s nothing he can’t do. Again like Markkanen, he has the ability to be impactful defensively with a little more attentiveness and hustle. Unlike the situation of Isaac Okoro, where he has the right mindset, but the skill set they need from him isn’t there yet.

LeVert’s far-reaching skill set affords Cleveland’s offense many new possibilities. When the worst offensive player on the floor is able to attack tilted defenses with ease, nail open pull-ups, as well as shift defenders and find open teammates, then the opposition is in for a headache of a night.

Just a few weeks ago, a strong majority of Cavs nation was just about as down on Caris’ fit in Cleveland as could be. Through some hard work and mental reconstruction, he has already got himself back on the good side of some.

Preseason is cheap talk, though. Now is time for him to prove he can sustain it through the 82-game gauntlet, and beyond that, the 16-game stretch run.

An Andrew Wiggins-esque ascension for Caris LeVert may be in the fold for Cleveland this season. The last key piece to complete a very talented, cohesive unit. Perhaps, the Columbus-native is the X-factor the Cavs need alongside their core four as they ultimately seek to win a title.