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Caris LeVert is a professional getter of buckets, as he’s averaged over 20 points per game twice in his nine-year NBA career. He also hasn’t been a black hole in other areas, posting career averages of 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals. He’s 30 years old now, though, and will be playing for his fifth NBA team after the Detroit Pistons signed him to a two-year, $29 million deal, per ESPNs Shams Charania.
Last season, the priority of the front office was to surround Cade Cunningham with shooters. Mission accomplished. Malik Beasley was great, averaging 16.3 points while shooting 41% from downtown. He did get extended playing time due to the Jaden Ivey injury, though. Beasley was only signed for one season and, with being the subject of a federal investigation, it was highly unlikely he would return.
Enter LeVert.
LeVert only shot 33% from downtown last season with Atlanta in 26 games, but he converted 40% in 38 games with Cleveland. He’s a career 34% shooter from beyond the arc. LeVert isn’t just a spot-up shooter, as he can attack closeouts and be a secondary playmaker.
With Ivey likely to return to the starting lineup next season, LeVert will likely be the guy off the bench. With Tim Hardaway Jr. an unrestricted free agent, there’s a chance LeVert backs up both the shooting guard and small forward postions next season, which could mean 30+ minutes per night. Throughout his career, LeVert has played significant minutes at both positions.
