Handing out awards for the Cavaliers at the third-way point

Handing out Cavaliers awards: Most Surprising – Lamar Stevens

Coming into the season the Cavaliers’ rotation seemed mostly set. The four stars plus Caris LeVert were in line to start, with Kevin Love, Dean Wade and Raul Neto getting minutes off the bench. Cedi Osman seemed likely to have a role too, and Robin Lopez was the emergency option at center. That left Lamar Stevens on the outside looking in.

It didn’t stay that way, as Stevens’ defense and relentless energy have earned him not just a spot in the rotation but in the starting lineup. He’s averaging a career-high in minutes, points and rebounds and has likely extended his NBA career by multiple seasons. From out of the rotation to the starting lineup, the OG Junkyard Dog earns “Most Surprising.”

Best Coaching Decision: Moving Caris LeVert to the bench

When Darius Garland went down with an eye injury in the Cavaliers’ first game of the season, Caris LeVert was a boon to have in the starting lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell. That starting lineup of Mitchell, LeVert, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen had a 23.6 net rating in 123 minutes.

Yet when Garland came back, it was clear that LeVert’s strengths were redundant with Mitchell and Garland both on the court. It was a bold move to shift LeVert to the Sixth Man role and elevate Lamar Stevens to the starting lineup, but it has been a successful one. LeVert is gaining synergy with the bench players and the rotation is more balanced.