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Brooklyn Nets: How the spotlight will be on Caris LeVert

By Samuel Gue

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates a 104-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates a 104-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /
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The time is now. Can Caris LeVert be the third star for the Nets?

With the NBA season less than three weeks away, the Brooklyn Nets’ quest for a championship will soon be set for takeoff.

Coming off a season where the Nets were bounced out of the first round against the Toronto Raptors, they look to make a vast improvement. Without Kevin Durant for the entire year last season and with Kyrie Irving electing not to play during the bubble, Caris LeVert stepped up, leading the team to key victories and into the playoffs.

Throughout last season, LeVert was linked to a plethora of trade rumors and discussions as to whether or not the Nets had enough quality players to surround Durant and Irving. Would the Nets trade LeVert in order to capture a third star in Brooklyn? LeVert has shut down those trade rumors, but for how long?

Through his leadership and productive play in the bubble, LeVert displayed his fantastic scoring ability in addition to his passing capabilities, averaging 23.1 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds.

While LeVert was without a doubt Brooklyn’s best player in the bubble, this season he will slide down to Brooklyn’s third best, with Durant and Irving set to return. LeVert’s play early in the season will determine if the Nets front office will look to make a move to bring in another star. If Levert plays well, especially with Durant and Irving by his side, they will have no reason to ship him out.

With the addition of new head coach Steve Nash, Nets fans will see just how well the team gels together. During his time in the league, LeVert has improved year after year. With the pressure to succeed expected to be the highest ever in team history, only time will tell if LeVert will be the true difference-maker while shining for the Nets this season.

With a new coaching staff along with their best player returning from an Achilles injury, look for Brooklyn to be patient, allowing themselves time to evaluate the team’s chemistry in the beginning stages of the season.

We are yet to witness if the pairing of Durant and Irving will be a match made in heaven. If so, the Nets will be in a prime position to take over the Eastern Conference. The play of LeVert will be key, and the spotlight will be on No. 22.