Brooklyn Nets 2016-17 grades: Caris LeVert
By Rohan Dang
Caris LeVert was selected with the 20th pick of the 2016 NBA Draft. After discussions with the Indiana Pacers‘ front office, the Brooklyn Nets agreed to send the productive power forward Thaddeus Young in exchange for the 20th draft pick which turned out to be LeVert. But how good was his season?
Caris LeVert was one of the bigger question marks of last year’s draft. Despite productive seasons with the University of Michigan, multiple injuries (and consequently, surgeries) made GMs from across the league skeptical about LeVert’s long-term health and production.
LeVert came back as a sophomore with a much improved all-around game after missing much of his freshman year. Along with his jump from 10 minutes per game to 34, he also upped his shot making by 12 percent, posting a 44 percent mark from the field, which led to a large increase in scoring (2.3 points per game to 12.9).
He had to surgically repair his foot at the end of the season. LeVert spent the summer prepping for his junior year at Michigan. Halfway through another productive season LeVert was again hit with misfortune. He re-injured his surgically repaired foot and was shut down only 18 games into the season.
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With this injury significantly lowering his draft stock, LeVert decided to return for his senior year at Michigan. He boasted a strong stat line of 50.6 field goal percentage, 44.6 three-point percentage, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 16.5 points per game. The rookie fell to injury again halfway through the season. He ultimately had to get a 3rd surgery on his left foot, and was on crutches during the NBA Draft Combine.
Fast forward to June 23, 2016, and the once projected lottery pick posed a difficult question for GMs. He showed extreme promise when on the court, showing off a complete game consisting of shooting, driving, and the ability to distribute. However he also showed extreme fragility. With foot injuries already ending multiple careers in the league he ultimately became a much higher risk.
With the Brooklyn Nets having nothing to lose and everything to gain, it was a perfect fit.