Caris LeVert speaks on Brooklyn Nets’ potential and future

As the Brooklyn Nets continue to give back to the community this summer, Caris LeVert gives his take on the busy offseason shaping the team’s future.

Caris LeVert was an exceptional bright spot during another rough Brooklyn Nets season. His ability to step in and play multiple positions due to injuries was a big help for the Nets to remain competitive throughout the season. LeVert played 71 games last season, averaging 12.1 points and 4.2 assists in 26.3 minutes per game while splitting time starting and coming off the bench.

The Nets are in the middle of a campaign putting 2,000 basketballs into the hands of young Brooklynites. Nets players and personnel are surprising neighborhood youth by distributing basketballs at 25 community courts across the borough. The former Michigan Wolverine was at Edmonds Playground in Fort Greene on Monday to help distribute the balls and meet with local youth.

LeVert took a few minutes during the event to speak with Hoops Habit and other media members about the Nets’ recent offseason transactions, giving his thoughts on departed players like Jeremy Lin and Isaiah Whitehead while adjusting to a crowded backcourt with the addition of Shabazz Napier.

"“Losing a brother like that, Jeremy was like a big brother to me. He still is, and Isaiah as well. It’s not cool to lose guys like that. It’s a business and it happens. But that doesn’t change our relationship at all.”“I think that’s the beauty in everything, though, We have a lot of guys that can play a lot of positions and a lot of guys that can play together. I think last year you saw that with Spencer [Dinwiddie] and D’Angelo [Russell] playing together. So I think that’s a good problem to have.”"

The other big topic regarding LeVert was his lack of playing time during NBA Summer League, leading many to believe he was dealing with injuries. He insisted it was more of a coaching decision to not play him as much and that nothing is really wrong with him.

He would go on to open up about his injury history last season with hopes of playing a full regular season schedule.

"“A lot of people say I had a lot of injuries last year, but I only missed like 10 games and five of those were the concussion, so I feel like I was pretty healthy, At this level everybody’s really good. That’s what sets people apart. It’s definitely one of my goals going forward. For me it’s just staying healthy and continue to maximize my potential. I’m not really worried about anybody else but myself, honestly. I’m not sure numbers-wise, but just going out there and feeling like myself every game and doing whatever I need to do."

LeVert echoed his excitement of giving back to the local community as the Nets continue to show their appreciation for being in Brooklyn.

"“In Ohio we really don’t have outdoor basketball courts where people can just come out and support, so it’s a different experience for me. It’s a great experience. I love being out here”"

LeVert will be a huge part of the Nets’ continuous rebuild to eventual prominence in the league. He is slowly becoming a bigger name in New York City as the young Nets continue their bout for ownership of the city’s NBA headlines.