Official Caris LeVert Thread

MrDollarBills · Post #1141 » by **MrDollarBills** » Fri Dec 8, 2017 12:21 pm

I'll float this out again...do you guys think we should keep LeVert at PG?

Being forced to play the position has him playing like he was last year, but now its at a higher level. He's on a roll now.

shakendfries · Post #1142 » by **shakendfries** » Fri Dec 8, 2017 1:48 pm

MrDollarBills wrote:I'll float this out again...do you guys think we should keep LeVert at PG?

Being forced to play the position has him playing like he was last year, but now its at a higher level. He's on a roll now.

LeVert - D’Lo - Crabbe - Dae - Allen

Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

Karate Diop · Post #1143 » by **Karate Diop** » Fri Dec 8, 2017 3:22 pm

MrDollarBills wrote:I'll float this out again...do you guys think we should keep LeVert at PG?

Being forced to play the position has him playing like he was last year, but now its at a higher level. He's on a roll now.

He doesn't necessarily have to be the "point guard" but he needs to be a guard not small forward and be given some playmaking responsibilities.

SpeedyG · Post #1144 » by **SpeedyG** » Fri Dec 8, 2017 10:59 pm

All of these injuries at PG might be a blessing in disguise for Caris. I think he still gets out of control at times and forces things, but I think in general he's less callous with the ball than Russell. He might also be a better penetrator (at the very least, more willing) than Russ, so it might make more sense to have him be the creator and let Dlo play off him. He's also a pest defensively. It might be tough to make the change because he's playing so well in his current role though.

I think our 2nd unit would take a hit by swapping Caris in with Dinnwiddie, but this might be something they will need to consider after Russell comes back to the starting line-up.

Netaman · Post #1145 » by **Netaman** » Fri Dec 8, 2017 11:19 pm

Running the point (backup or starter) is a more challenging, multi-dimensional role than just being a 3&D guy, so it's enormously encouraging that this is where Levert has played his best. I would keep him exactly where he is and hope that he can keep elevating his game like this.

Also agree about the blessing in disguise. Dinwiddie getting the minutes he has is a huge blessing, he may be our long term starting PG. The last couple games Levert has looked like a 6th man of the year candidate. Both are absolutely huge developments.

MrDollarBills · Post #1146 » by **MrDollarBills** » Sat Dec 9, 2017 2:30 am

SpeedyG wrote:All of these injuries at PG might be a blessing in disguise for Caris. I think he still gets out of control at times and forces things, but I think in general he's less callous with the ball than Russell. He might also be a better penetrator (at the very least, more willing) than Russ, so it might make more sense to have him be the creator and let Dlo play off him. He's also a pest defensively. It might be tough to make the change because he's playing so well in his current role though.

I think our 2nd unit would take a hit by swapping Caris in with Dinnwiddie, but this might be something they will need to consider after Russell comes back to the starting line-up.

I think we should keep LeVert at 6th man for now.

SpeedyG · Post #1147 » by **SpeedyG** » Sat Dec 9, 2017 3:42 pm

Yeah, I think best case scenario is they keep Caris in his current role to continue giving him experience and confidence as the ball handler. They can always revisit in the off-season. This bodes well for the Nets though, because it solves a few problems:

It allows Russ to play SG, where he can focus on scoring and doesn't stagnate our offense as much as the primary ball handler. He also wont have to defend quicker PGs as much.

We all know Lin will opt-in. This pushes a bench backcourt of Lin/Din. This is what KA wants, to have two ball handlers at all times.

I know Carroll has expressed not wanting to play PF minutes, but if Kenny can convince him, it allows the Nets to play the small lineup they like with Rondae and DMC at power and still have SF minutes for Crabbe and Harris.

Antti22 · Post #1148 » by **Antti22** » Tue Dec 12, 2017 11:10 am

I stumbled upon some old highlight reels of Penny Hardaway and am I the only one who sees SO MUCH of Penny in LeVert? Physical tools, skills, style - so much a like. Hopefully Caris can reach the same kind of ceiling but without the freak injuries.

MrDollarBills · Post #1149 » by **MrDollarBills** » Tue Dec 12, 2017 12:30 pm

Hardaway was faster, more athletic, had elite level footwork and was an excellent passer. I see the comparison because of Caris' height and skill set, but Caris has some ways to go. Hardaway at his apex was one of the top 8 players in the sport at the time before he tore up his knee. He's on the small list of players from those days who you can say played against Michael Jordan and was dishing out some serious work. Grant Hill is on that list too, fwiw.

Roy Tarpley · Post #1150 » by **Roy Tarpley** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 1:12 pm

Levert has really made huge strides over the last month. I need to look up his Dec stats.

shakendfries · Post #1151 » by **shakendfries** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 1:56 pm

Watch on YouTube

MrDollarBills · Post #1152 » by **MrDollarBills** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 4:41 pm

LeVert is clocking in December with 16ppg 6apg 2rpg 1.4stls per on 60% TS knocking down 3PT bombs at a 39% clip he's back yall the improved numbers are a natural month by month progression as well.

MGrand15 · Post #1153 » by **MGrand15** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:13 pm

MrDollarBills wrote:LeVert is clocking in December with 16ppg 6apg 2rpg 1.4stls per on 60% TS knocking down 3PT bombs at a 39% clip he's back yall the improved numbers are a natural month by month progression as well.

I was never worried about LeVert but now I'm like less than worried after seeing that he's shooting 38/39% on catch and shoot 3s for the year including his awful slump to start. He could easily tone down pull up 3s and still be very effective.

Keith Van Horn · Post #1154 » by **Keith Van Horn** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:20 pm

so let's say it's the start of next season and everyone is healthy again....Lin, DLo, Okafor is back and integrated by then...

If Levert continues to improve his play the way he has over the last month, do you guys like him as a starter or someone who facilitates the bench unit?

Not sure where I stand on that tbh. Will be a good debate topic come the dog days of June/July

kamaze · Post #1155 » by **kamaze** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:21 pm

He's found his niche at point guard.

Paradise · Post #1156 » by **Paradise** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 6:02 pm

MrDollarBills wrote:LeVert is clocking in December with 16ppg 6apg 2rpg 1.4stls per on 60% TS knocking down 3PT bombs at a 39% clip he's back yall the improved numbers are a natural month by month progression as well.

Nets are also #1 in Defense this month.

MrDollarBills · Post #1157 » by **MrDollarBills** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 8:34 pm

Keith Van Horn wrote:so let's say it's the start of next season and everyone is healthy again....Lin, DLo, Okafor is back and integrated by then...

If Levert continues to improve his play the way he has over the last month, do you guys like him as a starter or someone who facilitates the bench unit?

Not sure where I stand on that tbh. Will be a good debate topic come the dog days of June/July

For now, I like him in this role on the ball facilitating for the 2nd unit.

This also allows Russell to remain at SG.

Roy Tarpley · Post #1158 » by **Roy Tarpley** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 8:51 pm

MrDollarBills wrote:LeVert is clocking in December with 16ppg 6apg 2rpg 1.4stls per on 60% TS knocking down 3PT bombs at a 39% clip he's back yall the improved numbers are a natural month by month progression as well.

Not to mention 91% FT shooting. All in 29 mpg.

MGrand15 · Post #1159 » by **MGrand15** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 9:38 pm

Keith Van Horn wrote:so let's say it's the start of next season and everyone is healthy again....Lin, DLo, Okafor is back and integrated by then...

If Levert continues to improve his play the way he has over the last month, do you guys like him as a starter or someone who facilitates the bench unit?

Not sure where I stand on that tbh. Will be a good debate topic come the dog days of June/July

I have really high expectations for LeVert but for argument's sake, let me bring them down a bit.

Right now, he's our best backcourt defender. He can run the break and finish inside at a high level. He can help take ball handling pressure of Russell. He should be starting off of that alone. We can stagger guys after that.

Paradise · Post #1160 » by **Paradise** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 10:28 pm

MGrand15 wrote:
Keith Van Horn wrote:so let's say it's the start of next season and everyone is healthy again....Lin, DLo, Okafor is back and integrated by then...

If Levert continues to improve his play the way he has over the last month, do you guys like him as a starter or someone who facilitates the bench unit?

Not sure where I stand on that tbh. Will be a good debate topic come the dog days of June/July

I have really high expectations for LeVert but for argument's sake, let me bring them down a bit.

Right now, he's our best backcourt defender. He can run the break and finish inside at a high level. He can help take ball handling pressure of Russell. He should be starting off of that alone. We can stagger guys after that.

You sure? Dinwiddie is putting up borderline all-star production.

Read on Twitter