Cavs Opinion: Caris LeVert Still Making Strong Case For NBA's Sixth Man Of The Year

Caris LeVert has been one of the best bench players in the NBA this season.

Cleveland Cavaliers v New Orleans Pelicans / Chris Graythen/GettyImages

The starting five is an important group for any NBA team. However, the first player to come off the bench is just as crucial. Every team needs someone who’s going to lead the second unit, provide a scoring boost when needed, is able to compete with an opposing team’s best lineup, and even slot into being a starter when called upon. That player is typically known as the team's sixth man.

That player for the Cleveland Cavaliers is Caris LeVert. He established himself as a key member off the bench earlier in the season and is still making a strong case to win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award.

LeVert has played in 52 games this season where he’s come off the bench. In those games, he’s averaging 13.6 points while shooting 41% from the floor, 32% from behind the arc, and 78% from the free throw line. His ability to score and do it at an efficient rate is what makes him a valuable player any team would want off the roster.

The latest Sixth Man of the Year type performance came against the Indiana Pacers on March 18. LeVert scored 23 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds while playing a hefty 39 minutes in the Cavaliers win.

Donovan Mitchell, who wasn’t at the arena as he nurses a fractured nose, even posted on X calling for LeVert to get more national recognition to win the award. Georges Niang joined in on the campaign stating after the game, “Seriously, starting now, Caris LeVert, Sixth Man of the Year. It’s not even a discussion.” Tristan Thompson echoed this sentiment stating “ We don’t award other teams that are in seventh [in their conference]. … Cavs fans starting pushing it.”

Cleveland Cavaliers v New Orleans Pelicans / Chris Graythen/GettyImages

We’ve seen what LeVert can do as a first or second option in an offense. An argument could be made that he should be in this Cavaliers rotation as a full-time starter. However, he’s accepted his role as the lead reserve and deserves recognition for that.