Official Caris LeVert Thread

[MGrand15]

Manu is a shooting guard that can play PG, attacks the basket relentlessly, is amazing in PNR + transition and is a natural playmaker. Really aggressive defender. Risk taker on both ends of the floor.

[MrDollarBills]

when you frame it that way, i can see why people say it. I think Manu in his prime was a lot faster and explosive, but Caris is racking up the points consistently now. I actually like LeVert as a passer moreso than Ginobili.

I think Caris is definitely making a case for future starting point guard. it's been awhile since Russell has played and I don't want to dismiss him too soon given what this staff has accomplished with other players, but it's looking more and more that he's the off-guard in this offense with either Caris or Din as the primary ball handler. It's not because they are more talented than him, but rather their skills fits more what this offense needs.

I dont like the player comp, but we might actually see Caris remain as our 6th man given how he runs that bench squad. Kenny plays a lot of guys, so who starts isn't as important as who finishes, kinda like Manu and the spurs.

I'd prefer that Russell play SG full time now honestly, his style isn't suited to run the offense. Let him get those 3pt shots in rhythm and break guys down off of the dribble as the clock winds down or we need some go to scoring when the 3 balls aren't hitting.

LeVert has shown enough that he should remain at PG and can switch over to SG when Dinwiddie is in with him and not miss a beat.

[bws94]

18 Points / 5 Assists / 2 Steals

Watch on YouTube

yeah, there's a reason why I'm hellbent against trading this kid.

it will be clear sooner than later.

Trade him? He has to be untouchable. It would be crazy to trade him.

[bws94]

when you frame it that way, i can see why people say it. I think Manu in his prime was a lot faster and explosive, but Caris is racking up the points consistently now. I actually like LeVert as a passer moreso than Ginobili.

I think Caris is definitely making a case for future starting point guard. it's been awhile since Russell has played and I don't want to dismiss him too soon given what this staff has accomplished with other players, but it's looking more and more that he's the off-guard in this offense with either Caris or Din as the primary ball handler. It's not because they are more talented than him, but rather their skills fits more what this offense needs.

I dont like the player comp, but we might actually see Caris remain as our 6th man given how he runs that bench squad. Kenny plays a lot of guys, so who starts isn't as important as who finishes, kinda like Manu and the spurs.

I'd prefer that Russell play SG full time now honestly, his style isn't suited to run the offense. Let him get those 3pt shots in rhythm and break guys down off of the dribble as the clock winds down or we need some go to scoring when the 3 balls aren't hitting.

LeVert has shown enough that he should remain at PG and can switch over to SG when Dinwiddie is in with him and not miss a beat.

Manu is one of my favorites ever. Prime Ginobili was a really slick passer, but really, Manu was always a little sloppy and reckless. He could steal it 3 times and turn it over 3 times, but he was fun to watch. I don't think of CLV as "PG" but more like a combo guard and definitely a facilitator, but he doesn't always need the ball. He does fine off-ball.

About Russell, the team will have to adapt to him and him to the team going forward. Russell will develop, IMO, his post-up game more which is quite different from Dinwiddie and CLV's style. But a team with a mixed offense isn't a bad thing. It's just, DRuss and I think, CLV in the future will both get big minutes and both may end up finishing games. Russell will, and CLV probably more as he matures.

[TheBrooklynKidd]

when you frame it that way, i can see why people say it. I think Manu in his prime was a lot faster and explosive, but Caris is racking up the points consistently now. I actually like LeVert as a passer moreso than Ginobili.

I think Caris is definitely making a case for future starting point guard. it's been awhile since Russell has played and I don't want to dismiss him too soon given what this staff has accomplished with other players, but it's looking more and more that he's the off-guard in this offense with either Caris or Din as the primary ball handler. It's not because they are more talented than him, but rather their skills fits more what this offense needs.

I dont like the player comp, but we might actually see Caris remain as our 6th man given how he runs that bench squad. Kenny plays a lot of guys, so who starts isn't as important as who finishes, kinda like Manu and the spurs.

I'd prefer that Russell play SG full time now honestly, his style isn't suited to run the offense. Let him get those 3pt shots in rhythm and break guys down off of the dribble as the clock winds down or we need some go to scoring when the 3 balls aren't hitting.

LeVert has shown enough that he should remain at PG and can switch over to SG when Dinwiddie is in with him and not miss a beat.

I think LeVert is just as quick as prime manu, his first step is one of the best in the league. He’s less explosive (le)vertically but he makes up for it in height and length. He is much more physically imposing than Manu was.

Agreed Russell is a shooting guard. He was a shooting guard in college and basically his entire life. It wasn’t until the NBA when questions about his size became real and he started being viewed as a PG.

Luckily we have a PG with true shooting guard size in LeVert. He’s our best option over Dinwiddie, Russell and even a healthy Lin. The way he can penetrate and dish using his quickness and size screams point guard.

Think about this question: how many times have we seen someone other than LeVert throw an Alley oop to Allen? LeVert seems to do it every game along with a multitude of incredible passes to the role man.

DLo is better at the 2 since he can’t penetrate as well and it’s best for him to focus on scoring and attacking a defense that has already been warped by another guard.

[LKIRNets]

I really don't see any comparison between LeVert and Ginobili, but I've seen more than one person say it. What's the specific comparison? their games are totally different to me.

me neither.

If anyone patterns his game like Manu, it's D'Angelo Russell. The lefty stroke, the off screen shot, the SnR iso points. The knack for the big shot. That's DLo.

Caris I keep looking at him and he reminds me of Scottie. There are traits of his game when I watch I continuously say you know know who did this or that, Scottie.

[TheNetsFan]

I really don't see any comparison between LeVert and Ginobili, but I've seen more than one person say it. What's the specific comparison? their games are totally different to me.

You need to compare him to 20 something Ginobili, not 40 year old Ginobili. I compare him to Manu mostly because of role (Alpha dog of the 2nd unit, PG in a SG body, energizer bunny) & Marks' ties to the Spurs system. That being said, there are a lot of similarities in that they are tall, aggressive, well rounded guards capable of running PG duties. I also bring Manu up, because people overrate starting, and Ginobili is a 2x Allstar. 2x 3rd team all-NBA, 1x 6th man of the year & future Hall of Famer who has only started about a third of his career games.

Both are about 6'6", 205lbs.
Both are extremely quick.
Both are excellent ball handlers and penetrators.
Both are/were very good defensively.
Both have very well rounded games.

If you compare Ginobili's 2nd year (Age 26) to Caris's 2nd year (Age 23), the stat lines are very similar:
Per 36:
Manu (29.4 minutes per game):15.7pts, 5.5reb, 4.6ast, 2.2stl, 0.3blk, 2.6tov, 35.9% 3P%, 41.8% FG%
Caris (26.8 minues per game): 16.1pts, 4.9reb, 5.4ast, 1.7stl, 0.5blk, 3.1tov, 34.4% 3P%, 44.7% FG%

[LKIRNets]

I really don't see any comparison between LeVert and Ginobili, but I've seen more than one person say it. What's the specific comparison? their games are totally different to me.

You need to compare him to 20 something Ginobili, not 40 year old Ginobili. I compare him to Manu mostly because of role (Alpha dog of the 2nd unit, PG in a SG body, energizer bunny) & Marks' ties to the Spurs system. That being said, there are a lot of similarities in that they are tall, aggressive, well rounded guards capable of running PG duties. I also bring Manu up, because people overrate starting, and Ginobili is a 2x Allstar. 2x 3rd team all-NBA, 1x 6th man of the year & future Hall of Famer who has only started about a third of his career games.

Both are about 6'6", 205lbs.
Both are extremely quick.
Both are excellent ball handlers and penetrators.
Both are/were very good defensively.
Both have very well rounded games.

If you compare Ginobili's 2nd year (Age 26) to Caris's 2nd year (Age 23), the stat lines are very similar:
Per 36:
Manu (29.4 minutes per game):15.7pts, 5.5reb, 4.6ast, 2.2stl, 0.3blk, 2.6tov, 35.9% 3P%, 41.8% FG%
Caris (26.8 minues per game): 16.1pts, 4.9reb, 5.4ast, 1.7stl, 0.5blk, 3.1tov, 34.4% 3P%, 44.7% FG%

Their playing style isn't remotely the same.

Bruh did watch Manu Ginobli at all? How do you look at LeVert and say Ginobli? Playing style wise, I'm not talking about stat wise, which you used your own convoluted comparison at different age ranges wit stats in per 36.

[bws94]

I really don't see any comparison between LeVert and Ginobili, but I've seen more than one person say it. What's the specific comparison? their games are totally different to me.

You need to compare him to 20 something Ginobili, not 40 year old Ginobili. I compare him to Manu mostly because of role (Alpha dog of the 2nd unit, PG in a SG body, energizer bunny) & Marks' ties to the Spurs system. That being said, there are a lot of similarities in that they are tall, aggressive, well rounded guards capable of running PG duties. I also bring Manu up, because people overrate starting, and Ginobili is a 2x Allstar. 2x 3rd team all-NBA, 1x 6th man of the year & future Hall of Famer who has only started about a third of his career games.

Both are about 6'6", 205lbs.
Both are extremely quick.
Both are excellent ball handlers and penetrators.
Both are/were very good defensively.
Both have very well rounded games.

If you compare Ginobili's 2nd year (Age 26) to Caris's 2nd year (Age 23), the stat lines are very similar:
Per 36:
Manu (29.4 minutes per game):15.7pts, 5.5reb, 4.6ast, 2.2stl, 0.3blk, 2.6tov, 35.9% 3P%, 41.8% FG%
Caris (26.8 minues per game): 16.1pts, 4.9reb, 5.4ast, 1.7stl, 0.5blk, 3.1tov, 34.4% 3P%, 44.7% FG%

I agree with you about overrating starting. Some starters are kinda role players to the star players. If you come off the bench, get "starters minutes" and finish games, you can have as much of a role in winning as some starters do.

[LKIRNets]

I agree with you about overrating starting. Some starters are kinda role players to the star players. If you come off the bench, get "starters minutes" and finish games, you can have as much of a role in winning as some starters do.

Be honest about the Manu comparison. Show me sanity.

[MGrand15]

I really don't see any comparison between LeVert and Ginobili, but I've seen more than one person say it. What's the specific comparison? their games are totally different to me.

You need to compare him to 20 something Ginobili, not 40 year old Ginobili. I compare him to Manu mostly because of role (Alpha dog of the 2nd unit, PG in a SG body, energizer bunny) & Marks' ties to the Spurs system. That being said, there are a lot of similarities in that they are tall, aggressive, well rounded guards capable of running PG duties. I also bring Manu up, because people overrate starting, and Ginobili is a 2x Allstar. 2x 3rd team all-NBA, 1x 6th man of the year & future Hall of Famer who has only started about a third of his career games.

Both are about 6'6", 205lbs.
Both are extremely quick.
Both are excellent ball handlers and penetrators.
Both are/were very good defensively.
Both have very well rounded games.

If you compare Ginobili's 2nd year (Age 26) to Caris's 2nd year (Age 23), the stat lines are very similar:
Per 36:
Manu (29.4 minutes per game):15.7pts, 5.5reb, 4.6ast, 2.2stl, 0.3blk, 2.6tov, 35.9% 3P%, 41.8% FG%
Caris (26.8 minues per game): 16.1pts, 4.9reb, 5.4ast, 1.7stl, 0.5blk, 3.1tov, 34.4% 3P%, 44.7% FG%

Their playing style isn't remotely the same.

Bruh did watch Manu Ginobli at all? How do you look at LeVert and say Ginobli? Playing style wise, I'm not talking about stat wise, which you used your own convoluted comparison at different age ranges wit stats in per 36.

What's wrong with you?

There's paragraphs on this page alone on the similarities in playing style. You laugh at actual points. Accuse others of not watching games. Ignore basic math.

Outside of LeVert being black and righty, how about you point out how they're not similar?

Russell and Ginobili is a bad comparison cause Ginobili has always been a 3 or layup guy. PNRs or spot ups. Meanwhile Russell lives in the midrange + likes ISOs and post ups.

[MGrand15]

when you frame it that way, i can see why people say it. I think Manu in his prime was a lot faster and explosive, but Caris is racking up the points consistently now. I actually like LeVert as a passer moreso than Ginobili.

I think Caris is definitely making a case for future starting point guard. it's been awhile since Russell has played and I don't want to dismiss him too soon given what this staff has accomplished with other players, but it's looking more and more that he's the off-guard in this offense with either Caris or Din as the primary ball handler. It's not because they are more talented than him, but rather their skills fits more what this offense needs.

I dont like the player comp, but we might actually see Caris remain as our 6th man given how he runs that bench squad. Kenny plays a lot of guys, so who starts isn't as important as who finishes, kinda like Manu and the spurs.

I'd prefer that Russell play SG full time now honestly, his style isn't suited to run the offense. Let him get those 3pt shots in rhythm and break guys down off of the dribble as the clock winds down or we need some go to scoring when the 3 balls aren't hitting.

LeVert has shown enough that he should remain at PG and can switch over to SG when Dinwiddie is in with him and not miss a beat.

Idk man. Prime Ginobili was option 3 but he was still an amazing playmaker. Check this video out:

Watch on YouTube

[LKIRNets]

You need to compare him to 20 something Ginobili, not 40 year old Ginobili. I compare him to Manu mostly because of role (Alpha dog of the 2nd unit, PG in a SG body, energizer bunny) & Marks' ties to the Spurs system. That being said, there are a lot of similarities in that they are tall, aggressive, well rounded guards capable of running PG duties. I also bring Manu up, because people overrate starting, and Ginobili is a 2x Allstar. 2x 3rd team all-NBA, 1x 6th man of the year & future Hall of Famer who has only started about a third of his career games.

Both are about 6'6", 205lbs.
Both are extremely quick.
Both are excellent ball handlers and penetrators.
Both are/were very good defensively.
Both have very well rounded games.

If you compare Ginobili's 2nd year (Age 26) to Caris's 2nd year (Age 23), the stat lines are very similar:
Per 36:
Manu (29.4 minutes per game):15.7pts, 5.5reb, 4.6ast, 2.2stl, 0.3blk, 2.6tov, 35.9% 3P%, 41.8% FG%
Caris (26.8 minues per game): 16.1pts, 4.9reb, 5.4ast, 1.7stl, 0.5blk, 3.1tov, 34.4% 3P%, 44.7% FG%

Their playing style isn't remotely the same.

Bruh did watch Manu Ginobli at all? How do you look at LeVert and say Ginobli? Playing style wise, I'm not talking about stat wise, which you used your own convoluted comparison at different age ranges wit stats in per 36.

What's wrong with you?

There's paragraphs on this page alone on the similarities in playing style. You laugh at actual points. Accuse others of not watching games. Ignore basic math.

Outside of LeVert being black and righty, how about you point out how they're not similar?

Russell and Ginobili is a bad comparison cause Ginobili has always been a 3 or layup guy. PNRs or spot ups. Meanwhile Russell lives in the midrange + likes ISOs and post ups.

Nothing is.

No there isn't. First, Levert isn't 6'6. The rest of the breakdown doesn't describe in any way how their game is similar.

1. Manu was a top of the arc break you down through iso player/screen player. Caris isn't that.
2. Manu had Reddick's ability to get open and set his shot. Caris isn't that as we saw from his failure as a spot up.
3. Caris' strength is driving to the paint wit no regard. Manu wasn't that.

Caris uses his length to get into passing lanes and break up drives to the basket, that's Pippen like.
Caris defends 1's, 2's, 3's, 4's and sometimes the 5. That's Pippen like.
Caris brings the ball up after a defensive play and pushes to finish at the rim in transition, that's Pippen like.

Caris' offensive output is similar to Manu. That's all they have in common. I can't believe this is even a discussion. You already have 2 people here that told you they don't see the Manu comparison. Meanwhile you're talking about a 2 way 2 guard that can play the 3, 2, 1 and defend 1-4 exceptionally well. That's Pippen like.

pct% wise he compares closely to young Scottie

Perhaps you need to watch videos of Scottie and Manu and then you'll realize how off you are on the Manu thing. Manu was 25 his first season in the league. DLo was 19. Russell does midrange, drives to the basket now, does iso SnR, hasn't posted up on the Nets, but has that ability. Also has the knack for the big moment shot. Russell and I bet you don't know this, patterned his game after Manu. There's video wit him saying this. But again Manu was 25 in his rookie season, DLo is 21 right now.

[LKIRNets]

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

so hilarious, in college they called him Baby Durant and Baby Pippen and 2 guys here think Manu b/c he plays combo when their style isn't similar.

[Ror1997]

Why does it have to be either or? Why can't he just have elements of multiple players in his game?

[TheBrooklynKidd]

Why does it have to be either or? Why can't he just have elements of multiple players in his game?

Agreed. I don’t understand how anyone could take such offense to a comparison that isn’t even bad.

It’s not like the Paul George comparisons, which IMO were actually ridiculous.

[bws94]

Why does it have to be either or? Why can't he just have elements of multiple players in his game?

I agree.

[Trader_Joe]

I see a poor man's Penny more than anything.

[TheBrooklynKidd]

I see a poor man's Penny more than anything.

Penny Hardaway is my favorite comparison. But I think calling him “poor mans” is a little premature. Sure he lacks Penny’s athleticism but I could see him developing the sort of versatile offensive game that could propel him right into prime Penny’s tier.

[Trader_Joe]

I see a poor man's Penny more than anything.

Penny Hardaway is my favorite comparison. But I think calling him “poor mans” is a little premature. Sure he lacks Penny’s athleticism but I could see him developing the sort of versatile offensive game that could propel him right into prime Penny’s tier.

Maybe post injury Penny.
Penny was an all-nba type on his way to the HOF.