Should Caris LeVert or Max Strus start at small forward for Cavs?

Cons for LeVert to start

Even though LeVert has a plus wingspan for his 6-foot-6 size, his defense can be a problem at times.

He isn’t bad by any means, but he isn’t spectacular; he’s decent defensively. He has all the tools to become a good, or even great defender. However, his consistency on defense does leave some more to be desired.

LeVert has also shown to be inconsistent on offense, which is more of the issue, frankly. Many times he takes difficult or off-balanced shots, which causes his field goal percentage to drop. 43.1 percent from the field is not necessarily awful for a perimeter player, but considering some of the shooting performances he has had, it makes sense that his percentage is not higher.

As was mentioned earlier, he shot 39.2 percent from distance last year, but it is hard to say if LeVert can replicate that success from the three-point arc last year and continue it. He is a career 34.4 percent distance shooter, which is not all that eye-popping.

All in all, both Strus and LeVert have good cases to be that starting small forward for the Cavaliers for next season. Chances are, whichever player does not start, will be the primary 6th man to start the year, as both would be really good spark plugs to have off of the bench.

The preference: LeVert

LeVert as the starting 3 to begin next season seems like the better call. His defensive versatility, secondary playmaking and ball handling, plus his shooting could really help the Cavs. Plus, having Strus as the sixth man could do wonders for this team, and could really give Cleveland a boost come playoff time.

Honestly, though, whichever player starts could have a strikingly similar season to the guy who is slotted to come off of the bench between the two players. Come regular season, we will find out who will be given the keys to the starting 3 position.

As of now, we have to wait and see.