Brooklyn Nets: Caris LeVert Scouting Report

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 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.

He 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. He 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).

A healthy LeVert fits in well immediately as a catch-and-shoot threat and plus perimeter defender.

Despite a lot of negativity the the Nets’ selection, many NBA scouts and coaches expressed similar concerns about Klay Thompson when he was drafted coming out of Washington State. Thompson was an inch taller, a little lighter on his frame, while having liabilities on the defensive end. However, Thompson showed more explosiveness and better ability when it came to attacking the rim. The Thompson pick has blossomed into a star for the Warriors, becoming the second best shooter in the league and a great defender.

LeVert is a player who can make a reasonable impact early on as a role player and potentially grow into the best player on the team. But if the Nets can continue to build, he can become second or third best player on the team. LeVert is an ideal fit for the Nets because of the need of a wing player. 3-and-D players on the NBA wing are highly coveted in the modern NBA. LeVert can play on either end of a pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop and should develop well at doing each as he continues to fill his frame.

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: Rajon Rondo Brooklyn Bound?

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 could be an exciting prospect, if healthy.