Cleveland Cavaliers head coach JB Bickerstaff again paid his respects to Cavs guard Caris LeVert, ESPN Cleveland Cavs reporter Danny Cunningham wrote in a Friday article.
“That’s just the type of dude he is where all he wants to do is be a part of the team and help the team win and he’s been willing to do whatever it takes,” Bickerstaff said. “The thing that I think has been most impressive is he’s been a mainstay on all of our defensive stuff.
“His activity, he’s willingness to take assignments, that’s never wavered no matter what his offensive role has been. So, he’s been able to hang his hat on that and then find the spots and pick and choose on offense as well.”
LeVert, who was benched in favor of a mix of Cavs forwards after 14 games, leads Cleveland’s bench in points per game with 11.9. on a 41.9% shooting percentage. He scored 20 or more points in his last two games the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers, earning another start after Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell and center Jarrett Allen sat out with injuries.
The decision to bring LeVert off the bench was never a one-sided choice, LeVert explained following practice in late November.
“It was kind of mutual,” LeVert said, adding he wanted to come off the bench for the Cavaliers.
Caris Levert was the subject of multiple trade rumors, including a potential swap for Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr.
“It’s cool to I guess have a home for the rest of the season, not have to pack up and go somewhere else,” said LeVert. “I’ve done that the past two seasons.
“It’s very stressful to do that and hectic, so it’s cool to be with this group and finish the season out and see how far we can go.