Brooklyn Nets: Will Caris LeVert Be a Star or Bust?
Dec 15, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) dribbles in the first half against the Northern Kentucky Norse at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Caris LeVert has yet to play in the Brooklyn Nets‘ preseason. He has recently started to participate in team practices. Now is a great time to go over what LeVert will bring to the Nets.
With an already crowded backcourt for the Brooklyn Nets, they will soon have another backcourt player joining the roster. Caris LeVert is working his way back onto the court after suffering a foot injury last year at Michigan. Although LeVert only played 15 games in his senior year at Michigan, he averaged career-highs in just about every major statistical category. He averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. LeVert also shot 50.6 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from deep. All these numbers are great for a late first-round pick.
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For LeVert, it is hard to say as of right now how he will play at the NBA level. He has the tools to be a good NBA player, but no one will know for sure until he plays. With that said, the wait for LeVert to step on the hardwood won’t be much longer. He finally participated in Nets practice on Monday. Though he was limited in what he could do at practice, it is a good sign for the Nets.
As mentioned before, LeVert will have to fight for minutes with a lot of guards and wing players on the roster already. He will be competing with guys like Bojan Bogdanovic, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Sean Kilpatrick, Joe Harris, and Randy Foye. Considering the Nets took a risk trading for LeVert, it is almost certain he will get his fair share of playing time.
Feb 13, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) passes the ball to forward Ricky Doyle (32) in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
What Can He Do?
LeVert is an interesting prospect. He is 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. That puts him on par in the NBA height-wise. Being this tall allows LeVert to see the floor better and make passes over the top of smaller defenders. It also helps him shoot over defenders. LeVert really does two things well. First, he is a very good shooter. Shooting 40 percent from three during his college career, he is more than capable of spotting up. He can also create a lot of space off the dribble. LeVert is not very efficient off the dribble, but with some work, he could become a really good scorer.
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The second thing LeVert does very well is his passing. He averaged 4.9 assists per game during his last season at Michigan. He can see the floor very well and makes things happen for his teammates. When he drives to the basket, he knows that he will draw the defense in. When this happens, he will look to kick it out.
By adding LeVert to the Nets’ roster, Brooklyn gains another versatile player. He will also bring scoring to a team that, at times, struggles to find offense. LeVert has the tools to be a good guard in the NBA.
With that said, there are some things he needs to work on. Here is a look at some of his weaknesses.
Dec 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Delaware State Hornets guard DeAndre Haywood (1) dribbles defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) in the second half at Crisler Center. Michigan won 80-33. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Where Does LeVert Need to Improve?
LeVert has a lot of potential, but there are parts of his game that need improvement. First off, LeVert has a very small frame. At 200 pounds, he is underweight for someone who is 6-foot-7. LeVert will shy away from contact in the paint and on defense. It may be due to him getting pushed around and physically fatigued. If he could add just another 10 to 20 pounds, he would bring more strength to bang with players. At the NBA level, this is a must, considering how big players are.
By adding more weight, LeVert may become a more effective scorer around the hoop. LeVert has always had the ability to get to the hoop, but because of his size, he struggles to finish around the hoop. This often forces him to shy away from contact and alter his shot. Or if he doesn’t go up strong, he may try to force a pass out. Luckily, these problems are all habits. If the coaching staff really works with him, they can constantly remind him that he needs to go up strong, and he could change. And if the training staff works on getting his weight up, that should only boost his confidence of being able to get through contact.
The contact is not just on offense, but defense as well. Due to his length, he may be able to guard some guys. But when he faces someone driving to the hoop, he will be overpowered. More often than not, LeVert could be switched onto a small forward. The average weight of an NBA small forward is about 220 pounds. This will become a problem for LeVert and the Nets as a whole. Brooklyn has only held one team to under 100 points so far this preseason. By putting another defensive liability into the rotation, that will not help their current problem.
Nov 25, 2015; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) drives to the basket as Connecticut Huskies guard Daniel Hamilton (5) defends in the second half during the 2015 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort.. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Verdict: Star
It is hard to imagine LeVert being a bust. He has a lot to offer to become a bust. Since he was taken later in the draft, expectations are lower for him than a lottery pick. With that said, LeVert, at the end of the day, could become the Nets’ sixth man by the end of this season if he comes back healthy. Brooklyn knows how important his health is, so they are not going to rush him back. He will play when he is ready.
More likely than not, LeVert will be a good offensive player, but hurt the Nets on defense. This is exactly why he would fit well as a sixth man. He would get some minutes with the starting unit, but he would play more with the second unit. This makes sense, because the opposing teams’ weaker players will be within their second units. This will allow LeVert to be most effective on both ends of the floor. Until LeVert gets some games under his belt, anything is possible for him.