After an injury-riddled start to the season, Caris LeVert has bounced back to play his role to perfection. As a big guard capable of creating shots for himself and others, LeVert has been an excellent backup for Cade Cunningham. The Pistons’ strong depth has been a catalyst to their strong start this season, and LeVert contributes an important element to the second unit.
Cade finally has a perfect replacement
After years of struggling with terrible bench units, Cade has finally gotten some help in the last two seasons. LeVert is one of Cade’s first teammates with the ability to contribute in the same ways as him, albeit at a lower level. This allows Cade to rest longer on the bench and also play alongside LeVert in a different off-ball role than his usual lead position.
Aside from his on-court contributions, LeVert is also part of the Pistons’ veteran leadership. He brings a wealth of experience from different teams and different situations throughout his NBA career. His wisdom as a former primary option on bad teams could be helping Cade find new tricks to get easy points this season.
On the season, LeVert is averaging 10 points and 3 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field and 42% from three. His total production has been impressive in 20 minutes of action per game off the bench. Additionally, he’s often shouldered the burden of initiating the bench offense.
Levert often brings the ball up and organizes the team into sets when full bench lineups are playing. His steady presence makes the game easier for younger teammates coming off the pine, such as two-way Daniss Jenkins or the returning Jaden Ivey. And LeVert has prior experience with JB Bickerstaff playing in a similar system.
Not only does LeVert play a huge role for the offense both as a scorer and playmaker, but he also provides some defensive value as a big guard. He’s huge for a guard at 6’7” and capable of making defensive plays when he’s active. He averages 0.6 steals and 0.4 blocks per game, solid numbers for a guard playing as few minutes as him.
Caris LeVert might not be a star, but he’s playing his role very well. It’s exactly what Cade and the Pistons have needed for years to keep the team afloat when the second unit comes in. LeVert is capable of leading an offense when necessary, and playing alongside other lead guards with his elite shooting.
It’s already paid off in the regular season with wins despite injuries to the starters. But the payoff will be even greater in the playoffs. LeVert can keep Cade fresher until then and take pressure off him when the Pistons get there. His tough shot making can also single handedly win at least one playoff game.