The 2018 NBA Manifesto
Caris LeVert
PG/SG/SF - 6’7, 203lbs - 23 years old - 2 years of experience
LeVert started the season slowly, then got moved to a reserve point guard role, whereupon he absolutely hit his stride. And although he struggled with consistency throughout the season, he did establish his credentials as a playmaker in a way he had not done previously.
This in turn presents a bit of a problem for the Nets, who, whereas once they lacked for productive players (especially younger ones), now may have a roster crunch. LeVert, Dinwiddie, Russell and Lin are all better as primary ball handlers and playmakers than as off guards, and yet all four are under contract for next year. Three of them are young enough to be parts of the future. But somehow, they must either coexist or be moved.
By virtue of having the most team control, LeVert may have an inside track on a spot. To cement it, though, he will need to be more consistent. LeVert is particularly streaky as a scorer, hence his move to the point guard spot, and even though he does a decent job passing on the move when driving to the rim (or finishing there, should that be the better option), there is still some time-and-score nuance to pick up on. In addition to the jump shot developments, LeVert also needs to get stronger and play tougher defensively. It is not that he does not try. It is merely that he does not deter anyone from driving anywhere, as he hasn’t the strength to lean on them.
Still, even if there is a fair bit to do, give credit where it is due; quite a lot has been done.
Player Plan: Two years of rookie scale contract remaining. It’s going well - keep him for now.
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PG/SG/SF - 6’7, 203lbs - 23 years old - 2 years of experience
LeVert started the season slowly, then got moved to a reserve point guard role, whereupon he absolutely hit his stride. And although he struggled with consistency throughout the season, he did establish his credentials as a playmaker in a way he had not done previously.
This in turn presents a bit of a problem for the Nets, who, whereas once they lacked for productive players (especially younger ones), now may have a roster crunch. LeVert, Dinwiddie, Russell and Lin are all better as primary ball handlers and playmakers than as off guards, and yet all four are under contract for next year. Three of them are young enough to be parts of the future. But somehow, they must either coexist or be moved.
By virtue of having the most team control, LeVert may have an inside track on a spot. To cement it, though, he will need to be more consistent. LeVert is particularly streaky as a scorer, hence his move to the point guard spot, and even though he does a decent job passing on the move when driving to the rim (or finishing there, should that be the better option), there is still some time-and-score nuance to pick up on. In addition to the jump shot developments, LeVert also needs to get stronger and play tougher defensively. It is not that he does not try. It is merely that he does not deter anyone from driving anywhere, as he hasn’t the strength to lean on them.
Still, even if there is a fair bit to do, give credit where it is due; quite a lot has been done.
Player Plan: Two years of rookie scale contract remaining. It’s going well - keep him for now.
