There are a number of pundits who were underwhelmed with the Detroit Pistons’ offseason, but don’t tell Caris LeVert, who is looking forward to a big season in his Michigan homecoming.
LeVert talked about what it meant for him to come back to Michigan and to play under his former coach JB Bickerstaff in a recent article by Hunter Patterson of The Athletic (Subscription), giving JB credit for improving him as a two-way player:
“Before I went to Cleveland and played under J.B., I was a different player, and I think he challenged me to be the more well-rounded player I am today, so I’m definitely looking forward to this time around.”
LeVert will also be reconnected with his former college teammate Duncan Robinson, adding to the familiarity in Detroit, but there are also on-the-court reasons that LeVert could have a huge season in the Motor City.
Caris LeVert could have a big bench role for Detroit
JB Bickerstaff will be tasked with being more creative on offense next season, something that has been criticized over his coaching tenure.
We know JB can coach defense, and he’ll get the most out of LeVert on that end, but he also needs to unlock the wing on the offensive end.
The Pistons don’t have a real point guard coming off the bench, which will open up opportunities for LeVert to act as initiator and creator, something he has done well in his career, averaging four assists per game.
The Pistons may turn to him when Cade Cunningham is on the bench, which will give LeVert a chance to improve upon those numbers. He has averaged over five assists per game several times in his career and could get back to that level as part of a point guard by committee approach for the Pistons next season.
LeVert also showed chops off the ball last season, hitting 40 percent of his catch-and-shoot attempts from 3-point range for Cleveland. He will play with Cade Cunningham at times and get more of these types of looks, so if LeVert can shoot closer to 40 percent from 3-point range overall, he will help his case when Cade is on the floor.
LeVert is familiar with JB Bickerstaff, and I am sure he’ll be embraced by fans in Michigan again, but he’ll also get a chance to be more of a creator off the bench, which could lead to a breakout year for him in a perfect situation to thrive.