Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Caris LeVert displays superstar potential in rookie season with Brooklyn Nets

By Liam Gallagher

Mar 10, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert (22) controls the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert (22) controls the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

While Caris LeVert had a successful rookie season for the Brooklyn Nets by everyone’s standards, he actually showed signs that indicate he is comparable to many current NBA superstars.

Ever since returning to the Brooklyn Nets’ active roster in early December, Caris LeVert has impressed fans with his fluid play and maturity on the court. While he tended to make the occasional mistake on the floor, LeVert looks like he will be the cornerstone of the Nets’ long and arduous rebuilding process.

Although the 2016 Draft class was one of the weaker ones in recent memory, LeVert still out-shined the majority of his peers, as he ranked 10th in points per game, fourth in field goal percentage, seventh in rebounds per game and ninth in assists per game among qualified candidates.

However, these numbers were on a relatively limited sample size. LeVert played less than 24 minutes per game and missed the first few weeks of the season. The real strength and potential of LeVert’s game is shown through his advanced metrics.

RELATED STORY: LeVert could be channeling ‘Miller Time’

The most pleasant surprise of LeVert’s game was his ability to run an offense in a half-court setting. When operating out of the pick-and-roll, LeVert averaged 0.88 points per possession, placing him in the 68th percentile, per NBA.com. For comparison, Stephen Curry, the primary ball handler in the pick-and-roll dominated offense of the Warriors, averaged just 0.92 points per possession. While LeVert did this on a smaller sample size, it still shows he could effectively be a point-forward for the Nets.

LeVert also thrived in isolation. Although he went into isolation less than once per game, he scored around 44 percent of the time, good for the 67th percentile in the league. This number is well ahead of some All-Star wings, such as Gordon Hayward and Jimmy Butler.

More from Nothin' But Nets

It should be taken with a grain of salt, as these numbers are the focal points of their offenses and frequently draw double teams. Still, LeVert is a much better scorer than they were as rookies, highlighting his enormous potentials.

Even when LeVert wasn’t contributing offensively, he was incredibly valuable on the defensive end. Much of this is due his 6-foot-7 frame and 6-foot-10 wingspan. Despite playing just 22 minutes per game, LeVert managed to contest 4.5 shots and deflect two passes per game. These numbers are comparable to defensive stalwarts such as Avery Bradley and Andre Iguodala. While LeVert still has some work to do if he wants to achieve elite defensive status, he is definitely headed in the right direction.

Next: Why LeVert should make an All-Rookie Team

Overall, LeVert has shown some signs that indicate he may be destined for an accolade-ridden career. As his confidence grows, it wouldn’t be surprising to see LeVert develop into the best player on the team. The Nets can only hope.