Caris LeVert, Senior, Michigan, Guard, 6’7, 205
(2014-15, 35.8 mpg, 18 games) 14.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.2 tpg, 1.8 spg
42.1 FG%, 81.0 FT%, 40.5 3FG%, 53.6 TS%, 49.3 eFG%
26.1 USG%, 16.7 TRB%, 25.0 AST%, 3.3 STL%
DOB: 8/25/1994 (20)
More from Hoops Habit
- The 5 most dominant NBA players who never won a championship
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
LeVert was expected to play a major role for Michigan last season, especially after major losses to the NBA over the past two seasons. Over the first couple of months of the season, LeVert looked in many ways like he was ready to be the go-to guy Michigan needed, but a foot injury and surgery ended his season in mid-January. After making the decision to return for his senior season, LeVert is ready to pick up where he left off. LeVert is a lanky wing with good athleticism and body control. LeVert uses his size well to see the floor and to get good looks at the basket. He has a quick, consistent shooting stroke, with the ability to hit jumpers off the catch or the dribble. LeVert is an average ballhandler, though he uses his dribble well to create space for both his mid- and long-range jumpers, and with his long strides, it doesn’t take many dribbles to get to the basket from out on the perimeter. He does a very good change-of-pace dribble which he uses well to get defenders off-balance. When he gets around the basket, LeVert is a creative finisher, with the ability to score with either hand. He continues to improve his ability to find open teammates, either using his size to see over the defense, or to create off the dribble, especially in pick-and-roll situations. LeVert runs the floor well in transition, and his long strides allow him to get out in front of the defense where he finishes well at the basket or spots up on the wing for an open long-range shot. Defensively, LeVert positions himself well on and off the ball, and he has size and athleticism to guard multiple positions. He uses his length well to disrupt shots and passing lanes.
What he needs to show this season: LeVert has versatile offensive weapons, though he needs to still improve some areas. LeVert’s ballhandling can be a bit shaky, even if the slightest amount of pressure is shown. He’ll have a tendency to let the ball get away from his body a little too far, and if he does regain control, any openings he found in the defense are usually gone. Also, he has a tendency to over-dribble, wasting valuable clock time trying to find an opening. LeVert also can work on doing a better job moving without the ball, especially coming off of screens ready to shoot. I mentioned that he uses his dribble well to create space for his jumper, but he needs to do a better job not letting his body drift as he shoots. On defense, LeVert needs to work on reacting better to his man’s movements, including showing quicker feet and better lateral movement over longer distances. Also, he needs to watch not getting turned around when chasing an active offensive player off the ball. He can tend to lose sight of what’s happening on the floor by either focusing solely on his man or the ball.
Where he fits at the next level: LeVert is certainly a skilled college scorer, but there are a lot of those available, so working on his weaknesses will help separate him in ways. I’m sure teams will be attracted to his ability to score and create off the pick-and-roll, though it’s still an area where he needs work, especially making reads quicker and not holding on to the ball too long. Defensively, he has the physical tools, but he has very little understanding of how to use them yet. Even the slightest improvement will be good for him.
Follow me on Twitter – @NBADraftBlog
Email me: ed (at) nbadraftblog.com