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Nets: Point LeVert is showing BK his third star potential

ByAaron Notis|
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 07: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to pass the ball as Alex Len #25 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 7, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 07: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to pass the ball as Alex Len #25 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 7, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)

The Brooklyn Nets have something special in Caris LeVert.

In their own unique way, the Brooklyn Nets of Disney World are fun to watch.

Each game, it’s fun to see who outside of the Big 3 of LeVert, Harris, and Allen is going to drop some buckets and help the Nets bring a win home (or, in this case, to the Grand Floridian Resort).

But, on Friday, Jacque Vaughn did something I’ve wanted for a long time: Point LeVert.

At 6’7”, LeVert is a natural wing but has all the ballhandling capabilities of a point guard. So, facing a matchup with the Sacramento Kings, LeVert played the point and did not disappoint.

https://twitter.com/BrooklynNets/status/1291879658544418817

LeVert finished this game with 22 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, leading the Nets to a win and a playoff berth. It was an elite display for a player who never actually played the point. He has been a primary ballhandler countless times, but he was never been granted the honor and responsibility of being a consistent point guard.

He only had 2 turnovers and shot 9-21 from the field, 3-8 from three-point land. He did all of this while being guarded by Cory Joseph and Harrison Barnes, two notably strong defenders.

Throughout his time in the bubble, LeVert has repeatedly proved his value to the Nets. The Nets are 3-2 in the seeding games, and they owe much of their glory to LeVert. His 34-point outburst helped steamroll the Wizards and, while he was not part of the third-string Nets win over the Bucks, he played a significant role in this game against the Kings.

In a season riddled with trade rumors swirling around LeVert, along with people like Shaq saying he can’t be the Nets’ third star, he continues to demonstrate his value to Brooklyn. Keeping LeVert, Dinwiddie, Allen, and Prince gives the Nets the same depth as teams like the Lakers and Clippers. When teams have a roster filled with injuries, it’s now apparent that LeVert can step in as the lead guard with the starters or with the second unit.

As these games in the bubble continue, I’m excited to see what else Jacque Vaughn does with LeVert, and the rest of this depleted Nets roster.

This group isn’t going to be together for a long while, and I won’t miss them when they are gone. But, for now, it’s good to enjoy the ride into the postseason and watch some entertaining Nets basketball again.