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NBA Draft: Brooklyn Nets Select Michigan Guard Caris LeVert

By Jay Siskin

Nov 16, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) moves the ball in the first half against the Elon Phoenix at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) moves the ball in the first half against the Elon Phoenix at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Brooklyn Nets traded up into the first-round of the 2016 NBA Draft, sending power forward Thaddeus Young to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for the 20th overall pick. The Nets selected Michigan guard Caris LeVert.

The Brooklyn Nets selected Caris LeVert with the No. 20 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

The Nets are starting a major rebuild under general manager Sean Marks and coach Kenny Atkinson. But for weeks, the Nets shopped for a first-round pick, but had no luck until today.

LeVert, was once thought of as an NBA mid-first-rounder, but injuries made his stock dip, having three foot surgeries in the last 22 months.

LeVert averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game as a senior for the Wolverines, shooting 50% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc. His season was cut short by injury. LeVert also had another injury the year before. It was the second consecutive year after he suffered a Jones fracture in his foot during Michigan’s Big Ten opener at Illinois.

At 6′ 7″, 190 pounds with a 6′ 10″ wingspan, LeVert has the ability to guard three positions. He also possesses the ability to shoot stroke from the three-point line. LeVert has the playmaking ability to fit both backcourt spots in an NBA offense. LeVert’s height is one of his best attributes as a NBA prospect, and one of the main reasons Brooklyn loved him. LeVert has the ability to play the point guard to small forward. However, he fits best as a combo guard for the Nets and Brooklyn needs depth at the wing and guard position. LeVert’s size allows him to shoot or pass over smaller defenders.

LeVert is a very skilled, versatile player when healthy.  The biggest weapon in LeVert’s repertoire   of offensive skills is his work as a perimeter shooter. LeVert shot 40% from beyond the arc, which included shooting 45% as a senior.  LeVert attacks opponents closing out off the bounce and he has a nice first step that allows him to get by his defender, which will help him as a pro. What hurts LeVert the most is that he struggles to make shots coming off the dribble, converting just 62 of his 222 attempts (28%) over the past four years at Michigan, according to Synergy Sports Technology.

LeVert possesses both speed with ball-handling skills. LeVert has a great feel of getting to the rim to finish, allowing him to be effective (shot 77%  at the rim according to Hoop-Math.com). In the clip above, LeVert shows his ability drive his way past an opposing defender and uses a nice little up-and-under move. LeVert also possess great passing ability, averaging 6.6 assists per 40 minutes (8th among prospects in the 2016 draft class).

Defensively, LeVert as a the capability of being a solid defender  for Atkinson. His height and wingspan will allow him to go against bigger guards, but he must gain weight on his frame, because bigger guards tend to go through him when driving to the paint.

This might have been a bit of a reach on LeVert, according to fans. But last season he was projected as a potential lottery pick, but his injuries impeded from being a top prospect.

Next: Dwight Howard to Brooklyn?

Brooklyn was very fond of LeVert leading up to the NBA Draft. Another factor in this decision was the fact that a Nets team doctor was the doctor that performed LeVert’s surgery.

LeVert is boom-or-bust for Brooklyn.