Opinion: This Part Of Cavs Roster Deserves More Credit

The Cleveland Cavaliers have had one of the bench units in the NBA this season.

There's been a lot of praise given to the Cleveland Cavaliers for how they've been able to manage the injuries to Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. The team is now 10-3 since they went down and are somehow playing their best basketball of the season.

Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell have especially been complimented for keeping this team afloat, but there's another part of this roster that deserves just as much credit. 

That would be the bench unit.

Cleveland's reserves have been downright incredible over the last month and deserve a ton of recognition for what they've done to get the Cavaliers where they are at. Since December 15, Cleveland's bench is scoring 46.5 points game which is third in the NBA in that stretch. Only the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers have scored more bench points in this span of time. 

Dec 27, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter (9) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Caris LeVert and Sam Merrill both stand out as two players who have played a massive role in scoring the ball for the Cavs.

Since December 15, LeVert has averaged 18.0 points a game while shooting 43% from the floor. Obviously, there was a large scoring void to fill with DG's absence and LeVert is doing his best to replicate that. LeVert has also taken on the role of facilitator in this time by averaging 4.9 assists a game. 

Merill mania has swept through the Cavaliers locker room and the seats of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. He's been a huge piece of Cleveland's three-point identity as he's shooting 42% from behind the arc while attempting just over five threes a game.

The effect that Georges Niang and Tristan Thompson have had on the floor is also worth nothing. Each player has carried a positive +/- since the middle of December while also being good veterans for a team that needed leadership in this 

Even though Craig Porter Jr. has received inconsistent playing time, he's also proven to be a reliable option at point guard in the absence of DG. The two-way rookie has averaged 7.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds since Cleveland's starting point guard has been out.

Depth is always going to be an important piece for any team in case they sustain injuries like the Cavs have. This Cavalier bench unit has not only helped the team navigate through the injuries but propelled them up in the standing during this stretch.