Brooklyn Nets NBA Summer League player grade: Caris LeVert

Second year swingman Caris LeVert certainly impressed during his first NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. It’s time to examine what stood out from the Michigan product looking to make a leap in his sophomore year in the league.

After nearly a week since the Brooklyn Nets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Summer League quarterfinals in Las Vegas, one particular Nets swingman stood out after not participating last year: second-year Michigan product, Caris LeVert.

Sure, LeVert didn’t make First or Second All-Summer League Team, but the 6’7″ guard certainly impressed, not only with a little more bulk on his then 203-pound frame, but a better knack for spacing in a fluid Kenny Atkinson offense.

In five games, LeVert averaged 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 26 minutes of action per game. LeVert also shot a solid 47.5 percent from the field,  being a bit more crafty with his shot selection.

There’s no doubt LeVert’s familiarity with Brooklyn’s motion offense and rapport with head coach Kenny Atkinson on the sidelines helped not only him, but other returning Nets players like Spencer Dinwiddie, Isaiah Whitehead and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

With those guys alongside him, LeVert feels the chemistry growing.

“That’s what it’s about,” LeVert told Basketball Insiders in an interview at Summer League. “We got a young core, and we’re just trying to go out and gain momentum going into next season.”

LeVert showed a real improvement in his forcefulness attacking the basket. There’s no doubt the University of Michigan swingman had a natural knack for creating space while driving, but showed an increased confidence in going hard at the rim.

His long strides certainly did him favors in his rookie campaign with the Nets, but now adding some size, LeVert feels confident attacking off the dribble and making hard drives toward the basket.

While there was improvement in LeVert’s overall feel and confidence in his game, one area where Nets fans need to see LeVert shine is with his catch-and-shoot three point shot. While still a work in progress, I was expecting LeVert to hit more threes this Summer League.

There’s no doubt LeVert has a natural feel for finding his spots in the court. Whether in transition or in a half-court set, he is rarely out of place in any offensive set.

One area LeVert started to find his groove with was the baseline three. Expect him to hit quite a few more of those in his sophomore campaign with the Nets, but the expectation from fans was that he’d be a bit more polished prior to arriving in Las Vegas.

Overall, LeVert gets a B+. With increased size, bulk and confidence on the floor, LeVert has shown the hesitations with his foot are in the rear view mirror. After missing the 2016 Las Vegas Summer League due to foot surgery, LeVert certainly worked his tail off after officially making his NBA debut in December.

It seems he is aware of those things he needs to continue to work on as Nets faithful have a lot of confidence that his game will flourish next season.

“Shooting, shooting off the dribble, shooting off the catch, getting my conditioning up as well, guarding different position, just a little bit of everything,” LeVert said when asked about what he’s working on this summer.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Expect big things from the second-year player as the Nets now get ready for training camp just two short months away.