SpeedyG wrote:MrDollarBills wrote:SpeedyG wrote:Levert's potential is a Jimmy Butler level player.
He's fine as a 1B, but he's not an MVP level like those other players you mentioned. He would need some growth to do, which isn't impossible, though not probable.
Like, there is a very very very slight chance he can get to pre-injury Penny. He's got the size, athleticism, and enough playmaking to think that if things REALLY click, that he can reach that level.
But he probably won't.
Sent from my SM-G925T using RealGM mobile app
He has nowhere near the elite level athleticism, footwork, and passing ability of pre injury Hardaway.
That being said, the odds of him becoming an all star level talent if he can keep his feet together in one piece are fairly high after what I've seen pre and post injury from him this season. He was putting up some serious production versus Philly in a high pressure situation.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leverca01.html#playoffs_advanced::none
ridiculous numbers from a first time performer.
I think Penny has better vert and body control but Caris 1st step might be even quicker. Agree with footwork and passing ability, but I think he can develop passing ability. I don't think footwork will ever be comparable but Caris has a herky-jerky style anyway that can get it done but in different way.
Regardless, it's not a realistic goal. More like, if he catches lightning in a bottle with development and just absolutely catches everyone off-guard.
Sent from my SM-G925T using RealGM mobile app
Its hard for me to stay who is fast, Hardaway was faster from end to end to me but I also could be...whats the word...I could be just being nostalgic where players at that time seemed so larger than life to me so everything that they did was god tier. But Penny had so many different moves off the dribble that were lightning quick, Caris has a good first step and can be crafty but he is more one line north south to the rim. Penny could drive, stop on the drive, spin across the lane and was an explosive leaper.
LeVert reminded me of a poor man's McGrady on his college tape and while I don't think he's anything like McGrady either, if he can get that 3 point shot to where it needs to be, he can just be Caris LeVert, a big guard with an excellent first step, solid handle, good basketball IQ, and an excellent finisher at the basket.