Why the Cleveland Cavaliers NEED to keep Caris LeVert

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Caris LeVert, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

LeVert is the perfect bench leader

Though LeVert’s performance tended also to be inconsistent throughout the season, scoring 41 one night and two the next, he remained focused on defending whoever he was assigned to and played each offensive possession with determination. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds with a 51.7% eFG (effective field goal percentage).

His varied output has led to a myriad of opinions on his fit with the Cavaliers, polarizing the fanbase at times. Many called for LeVert to be dealt before the trade deadline, while others argued that he was too valuable to lose. Both factions have rational arguments behind their position, but as it seems right now, the Cavaliers have taken the latter perspective.

In reality, Caris LeVert’s production is typical of a role player in his situation. Bench players are rarely going to produce consistently high numbers or lead a team’s overall success. Within his role, LeVert has served the Cavaliers readily at any given moment, taking on hard matchups and elevating his hustle when things looked rough. That kind of mindset and effort is exactly what the Cavaliers need right now, and they should not give up on that.

Assuming that Cleveland makes more decisive moves this offseason than just re-signing Caris LeVert, then retaining LeVert only adds another solid player to the team’s rotation. While LeVert is not a star player that can lead you to the NBA Finals year after year, he is a willing player who fits into Cleveland’s backcourt when either Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell need to rest.

Additionally, LeVert shot 39.2% from behind the arc on 4.4 attempts per game, totaling 127 three-pointers made over his 74 regular season games played. LeVert ranked third overall in three-pointers made, behind only Donovan Mitchell’s historic 245 and Darius Garland’s 169.

For a team perpetually struggling to stretch the floor, a valuable long range shooter with serviceable playmaking and defense cannot be lost for nothing in return. His skill set is perfect to lead the Cavaliers bench and give them a fighting chance every night.