Brooklyn Nets: How Caris LeVert is fitting in again

Caris LeVert has been solid for the Brooklyn Nets since his return from injury, but his role on the team is constantly changing for the better.

On Nov. 12, the Brooklyn Nets watched Caris LeVert suffer a horrific ankle injury that appeared to be season-ending. However, the third year guard would return Feb. 9 against the Chicago Bulls.

Since LeVert’s return, the Nets have continued to push for a playoff berth, build team chemistry and avoid being relegated to the 8-seed.

In addition to pushing for better playoff seeding, head coach Kenny Atkinson has been experimenting with the team’s starting lineup and rotation. Since returning in early February, LeVert has been in and out of the starting lineup.

The Michigan product has started 21 out of the 25 games that he has played in this season and has the ability to impact the team in multiple capacities. Throughout the season, Atkinson has been flirting with the idea of playing D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie and LeVert together.

Unfortunately, the three may not all play together as starters due to their usage percentage and ball dominance. Needless to say, they will definitely play together in late-game situations and in certain lineups.

Despite LeVert being in and out of the starting lineup, he is clearly a part of the franchise’s future. As of now, the 24-year-old is fitting in right now like a jack of all trades, and here are a few reasons why.

Caris LeVert relieves pressure off backcourt

Outside of Russell, Dinwiddie and sometimes Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Nets don’t have many players who can create for themselves consistently.

LeVert, on the other hand, has the ability to create for himself and others. Currently, the shooting guard is shooting a low 31 percent from behind the arc, but he is shooting 43.6 percent from the field. Those numbers were higher before having to shake off the rust from all that time missed due to injury.

The third-year guard is athletic and helps relieve pressure off of Russell and Dinwiddie by his ability to get to the rim, utilizing the pick-and-roll and being able to score without having a play drawn up for him.

Oftentimes, athletic players only rely on their raw athletic ability, which affects them in late-game situations or when the referees are holding onto the whistle.

LeVert does a great job of reading the defense and feeling out each offensive possession. In pick-and-roll situations, he runs off the screen tightly and makes solid decisions on when to attack or get other players involved.

Playoff needs and versatility

The 6’7″ guard helps this team whether he is coming off the bench or starting. When he is on the floor with Russell, he takes away the double-team, spaces the floor and allows Russell to play off the ball.

On the other hand, when LeVert plays with Dinwiddie coming off the bench, the two feed off each other. Dinwiddie is an efficient isolation player who can get hot at any minute and score in spurts. LeVert, on the other hand, can get others involved and add high energy on both sides of the ball.

Dinwiddie (24.4 percent) and LeVert (24.9 percent) have posted roughly the same usage percentage, which works when they are coming off the bench together.

During the playoffs, this team is going to need consistent offense coming off of the bench. Having both players leading the second unit will help down the stretch and will take pressure off the starting lineup.

Effective in dual roles

LeVert will eventually become a consistent starter for the Nets, whether it’s this year or next. Obviously, Atkinson is leaning more towards Allen Crabbe for now because of his ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting.

Right now, Crabbe is averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 38.1 percent from 3. Off course, Crabbe missed a lot of time due to a knee injury. His stat line is nothing to write home about, but it may be in Atkinson’s best interest to continue to start him.

For the time being, LeVert will still be able to help this team by coming off the bench. He’s averaging 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, which will be crucial come playoff time.

Having the Michigan product come off the bench will help this team remain balanced on the offensive end of the floor, and it’s always a good feeling to have nearly 15 points coming off of the bench on a nightly basis.

Keeping Crabbe in the starting lineup will balance the floor while reserving secondary offense on the bench.

Perfect fit

With 15 games left in the season and the Brooklyn Nets on the cusp of making the playoffs for the first time since the 2014-15 season, it’s safe to say that LeVert is fitting in.

His season was filled with ups and downs, but LeVert has continued to grow prior to and after his ankle injury in November.

This season, the third-year guard is averaging career highs in points (14.9) and rebounds per game (4.0). He’s fitting in just fine and will be able to help the Nets in multiple ways whether he’s coming off the bench or starting.

At 24, the young Net has plenty of upside and room to grow in his game, and he will be more than just an athletic guard once he’s fully back in a rhythm.

As the playoffs come around, the Nets will have a chance to not only make the postseason but advance to the second round.