Could Nets’ Caris LeVert Participate In The Rising Stars Challenge?

Jan 6, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert (22) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Cleveland Cavaliers won 116-108. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert (22) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Cleveland Cavaliers won 116-108. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 12, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Caris LeVert (22) drives against New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Caris LeVert (22) drives against New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

One, Two or Three?

No rookie is more versatile than LeVert. Some have the potential to play multiple positions, but he’s the only one who has harnessed it. Naturally, LeVert is best suited to play the two and the three, and that’s where he’s spent all of his time according to Basketball Reference. However, he has point guard tendencies regarding playmaking, and he could slide over to the four if it’s a do-or-die situation and the matchup isn’t too one-sided.

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Brogdon, Hield and Murray are also capable of playing two positions, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting the latter two at a spot that isn’t shooting guard. Murray and Hield have struggled this season to shoot the ball — although they have improved — but it would be a lot for them to slide over to point guard, for instance. Neither of them is a natural at that spot, and it could potentially slow their development because they’re learning a new position at the highest league straight out of college.

The last thing any rookie needs is a loss of confidence.

LeVert spent all of his time at Michigan bouncing around between positions, so this is nothing new. He has the length to compete defensively at either small forward or shooting guard, and his offense is coming along nicely. Although, his perimeter game is limited.