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NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) during against the Delaware State Hornets in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) during against the Delaware State Hornets in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Caris LeVert, Michigan Wolverines

Position: Shooting Guard, Small Forward

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 200 pounds, 7’1″

Slash Line: .509/.446/.806

Season Averages: 32.4 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.1 3PM

New Year’s Resolution: Stay Healthy

After undergoing two foot surgeries in the span of a year, many feared that Caris LeVert had no remaining NBA prospects. The talent and upside is clear as day, but the injury suggested that he’d never truly be 100 percent.

Not only is LeVert back and thriving, but he’s played at a lottery pick level.

LeVert has made significant improvements as a facilitator, and that’s the key to his Top 20 ranking. He’s long been on the radar as a shooter and all-around scorer, but its his consistent improvement as a playmaker that offers the true reason for intrigue.

In order to maintain and build upon his draft stock, LeVert must remain healthy. He missed a game due to a lower leg injury, although that was the result of his stepping on an opponent’s foot—a case of bad luck, not bad bones.

LeVert is one of my Top 15 players in this draft class, but he needs a full healthy season to secure a Top 15 ranking.

Next: A Load to Handle