Brooklyn Nets: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

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4. Caris in crunch time

Most fans like to talk about the starting lineup as a barometer for the best quintet, but in reality that honor goes to the five-man combination that closes games. Those are the lineups to truly examine, because they pop up in the most crucial moments.

For a team as deep as the Nets, the bookend lineups of the game will probably vary by matchup. There are so many different permutations for coach Atkinson to deploy, all with varying skill-sets and strengths.

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The one man who can fit into all those combinations is Caris LeVert. From lead ball-handler to scoring spark plug to defensive stopper, LeVert is capable enough in every department to stay on the floor when the possessions count.

What we’ve learned from watching the Golden State Warriors crush everyone’s hopes and dreams is that a team needs all five of its players to be competent on both ends; LeVert is merely competent now, but he’s on track to be much more than competent as the season unfolds.

LeVert probably won’t start many games because Atkinson wants him running the second unit. Additionally, Allen Crabbe spaces the floor for Russell to operate better. But in crunch time, DLo will need another penetrator when the defenses hone in. Additionally, LeVert can cover for Russell’s defensive flaws.

If LeVert makes the leap everyone seems to think he will, he’s a shoo-in for this gig. Crabbe is a much worse defender, and the shooting doesn’t make up for it when the game slows down.

LeVert could also slide to the 3 if Crabbe develops into a two-way wing, sliding DeMarre Carroll or Rondae Hollis-Jefferson out of that quintet. He transcends the boxes that positions put players in, which is even more reason for him to enter that lineup.

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