Brooklyn Nets: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2019-20
By Amaar Burton
2. Caris LeVert
On a team level, the pressure is on Caris LeVert to help fill the scoring void left by Durant’s absence.
LeVert is the team’s second-most skilled and creative scorer after Irving. The 6’7″ guard showed what he could do when he averaged 21.0 points per game on 49.3 percent field-goal shooting in Brooklyn’s first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
He’s also a good playmaker who will be surrounded by good shooters like Irving, Joe Harris, Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Waller-Prince.
On a personal level, the pressure is on LeVert to have a big season before he enters free agency in 2020 (if the Nets don’t sign him to an extension first).
Heard it here first @CarisLeVert gonna be an all star this season
— Giuseppe (@Giuseppea1031) August 12, 2019
The 24-year-old has shown potential, but he’s been injury-prone; foot issues limited him to 57 games in his rookie year and 40 games last season. Staying healthy will be just as important as being productive in his fourth pro season.
Expectations for the Nets will be tempered as long as Durant is sidelined, but a breakout campaign by LeVert could turn the team into a tough out in the playoffs.