Ranking the current Cavaliers who could start at small forward

Option No. 4: Isaac Okoro

Isaac Okoro has been the answer for the Cavaliers at small forward for much of his time in Cleveland, starting there for his entire rookie season and parts of the last two. At 6’5″ with an average wingspan, he lacks the size to truly play the position, but the Cavs have mostly deployed him on opposing guards anyway as something of a third starting guard.

He is an amazing defender at the point of attack, but starting Okoro has cascading effects down the roster. He isn’t a great option to defend larger wings, his 3-point shot is ignored by opposing defenses, and he isn’t doing enough else on offense to make up for it. He might have a rotation role next season, but he should not have the starting small forward spot any longer.

Option No. 3: Caris LeVert

This was head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s top option in the playoffs, starting Caris LeVert at small forward to juice the offense. There is at least a theory there, as LeVert is a secondary (well, tertiary) creator who prevents an opponent form stashing some pushover. The Knicks tried that and LeVert roasted Jalen Brunson again and again in Game 2 of their series this season.

The issue with LeVert is the diminishing returns. His playmaking is less valuable with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland on the court, and his defense is solid but not elite. He has never found his 3-point shot despite excellent footwork and hand placement. LeVert found his groove as the team’s Sixth Man, and should he return to the team he should return to the bench.