Brooklyn Nets: 3 reasons why Caris LeVert could be a game-changer

3. LeVert has been here for the progress

Along with Joe Harris, Caris LeVert is the second-longest tenured member of the Brooklyn Nets, arriving in a post-draft trade from the Indiana Pacers in 2016 after being taken 20th overall in the draft.

And timing is, as they say, everything. LeVert was been at his best when Brooklyn had its backs to the wall entering last weekend’s road back-to-back against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pacers.

The Nets’ fourth loss in five games, a 10-point beating at home from the Toronto Raptors, left the Nets at 39-40 with three games remaining and their playoff lives in serious jeopardy.

Levert helped the Nets get past the Bucks with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, canning 4-of-5 from 3-point range and hanging out six assists.

Against Indiana, LeVert delivered 18 points, five rebounds and two steals.

In the season finale against the Miami Heat, LeVert got the start in place of Harris — who sat out with a sore right foot with Brooklyn’s spot in the playoffs already secure — and was extremely efficient in 20 minutes of playing time.

LeVert had 10 points on just five shots and added four assists.

Harris, who also came to Brooklyn in the summer of 2016, had high praise for LeVert’s efforts in coming back from a gruesome-looking injury, per Tom Dowd of NBA.com.

"“I think it’s just a testament to Caris and his character, how much work he’s put in to be back to this point. Even though the injury wasn’t as significant as what everybody originally thought, it was still a pretty terrible injury. “For him to even get back to this point in the season, for him to be playing the way that he is, it just speaks to Caris and how hard he’s worked, how much time he’s put in in terms of recovery and physical therapy just to get back to this point.”"

LeVert is part of coach Kenny Atkinson’s plan to fight the physical advantages enjoyed by the Philadelphia 76ers by being quick against their size and physicality. Atkinson said the Nets will not fight fire with fire, but rather be smart about it.

"“Do the opposite. Use our speed, spread the court, shoot 3s.”"

That means LeVert will be placed into situations where his recent hot streak from the 3-point arc can combine with his explosive first step and ability to score inside to make him a multi-faceted threat.

He’s long, lean, has a great burst, but most importantly of all for the Brooklyn Nets, Caris LeVert is playing like the guy who was getting All-Star buzz at the start of the season.

That level of play might be enough to carry Brooklyn to an unexpected playoff series win.