Keon Ellis elevates the Cavaliers defense in a way no one else on the team can

Cleveland Cavaliers fans are suckers for a gritty defensive role player. Whether it is J.R. Smith, Isaac Okoro, the best years of Cedi Osman or, above all else, Matthew Dellavedova, Cleveland is the best home for a defensive stalwart to make a name.

The Cavs have enjoyed the breakout seasons for two underrated players from last season. Both Jaylon Tyson and Nae'Qwan Tomlin have earned their spots on the Cavaliers roster, and Tyson continues to prove he is taking the next step forward in his career. The growth of both Tyson and Tomlin helped the Cavs recognize the biggest need at the trade deadline.

Alongside the blockbuster Darius Garland-James Harden trade, the Cavaliers positioned themselves for a deep Playoff run by adding more defensive energy and two-way talent. Trading De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings, the Cavaliers acquired veteran guard Dennis Schroder and emerging defensive wing Keon Ellis.

Ellis was touted as one of the trade deadline's most prized posessions after becoming an elite defender on a minimum contract. At 26 years old, Ellis has battled his way from the G League into the big leagues, constructing a reputation for tough defensive energy and high-octane offensive effort. Standing at 6-foot-4, Ellis uses his speed and tenacity to cover for his physical limitations.

While the Cavaliers already employed a surplus of undersized wings, the Ellis addition was nothing short of perfect, and it is already paying dividends. Cavaliers fans cannot get enough of Ellis' hustle, both on offense and defense. Where Ellis truly shines, though, is his defensive playmaking. Rather than just getting a stop and celebrating, Ellis is keen on transitioning a stolen pass or blocked shot into an easy opportunity on the other end.

The Cavaliers haven't seen a defender like Ellis in a long time

Ellis is not going to lock down every opposing team's best player and stop them from scoring all night. He will do plenty to force tough shots, but his ability to anchor perimeter defense comes from a much more uniquely valuably skill set.

The Cavaliers have entrusted Ellis with a multitude of roles since joining, playing him as a two, three and four in his first 11 games in wine and gold. At every turn, Ellis has embraced the challenge and terrorized the opponent.

From the moment Ellis joined the Cavaliers, he has been a defensive highlight reel with his sneaky steals turning into an easy dunk or flashy finish for himself or a teammate.

Despite a broken finger, Ellis posted five blocks and three steals against the Brooklyn Nets to open up the month of March. Before the game, Ellis said it was the first time he had ever broken or fractured a bone, but he play through it if he could. Clearly, Ellis was still able to make an impact.

Watching Ellis' defense is a marvel of modern basketball. In a league often criticized for lackluster defensive effort and predictable plays, Ellis completely breaks that mold. Every possession, regardless of his assignment, Ellis plays as though the Cavs are in a zone defense and he was assigned to three zones at once.

Ellis is constantly making quick swipes at the ball as a help defender on a drive, quickly retreating back to his assignment to avoid an easy catch-and-shoot, but his momentary help forces errors from the driver who is now focused on protecting the ball rather than scoring through the lane. Additionally, Ellis is quick to leap into the air, either deflecting a high pass or picking it off. The moment his finger tips touch the ball, he is instantly turning his head down the court to start the fast break.

The Cavaliers have seen great defenders in recent years, including the recently-traded Okoro. Tyson and Dean Wade are some of the best defensive talents the Cavaliers could hope to have. Still, Ellis' defensive approach and talents are exaclty what the Cavs need and couldn't hope to replace looking elsewhere.

As the postseason approaches, Ellis' role is plainly obvious for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Deploying Ellis as a defensive pest who can probe a ballhandler and keep a careful eye on a shooter in the corner is already an absolutely game-changing weapon for the Cavs. That sort of intense hustle and determination only elevate teams in the Playoffs, and the Cavaliers have the perfect team to appreciate his energy.