New addition Caris LeVert brings a very unique skillset to the Pistons from his years in the NBA across many teams. He has been asked to play a lot of different roles in his career, and now brings all those experiences to the Pistons. LeVert’s versatility makes him the perfect role player for the Pistons who can slot in wherever they need him.
Caris LeVert is a jack of all trades
Coach JB Bickerstaff had great things to say about Caris LeVert and fondly recalled his prior experience coaching LeVert in Cleveland. On the Cavaliers, Bickerstaff asked LeVert to play roles as a primary ball handler and playmaker, as well as a perimeter stopper on the defensive end. LeVert accepted the challenge valiantly and played admirably in that role.
Bickerstaff commended LeVert’s can-do attitude and willingness to play whatever role was best for the team. In LeVert’s own press conference, it was clear that he values his versatile skillset and is proud to be a complete player. As LeVert himself said, this makes him a great fit next to just about anyone else on the Pistons roster.
In addition to his playmaking and defensive chops, LeVert can also excel as a movement shooter. In his games with the Cavaliers last season, he shot 40 percent from three on four attempts per game (in just 24 minutes). This will be another key asset for playing him next to guys who would benefit from his spacing.
LeVert’s ability to do it all on offense while holding up on defense gives the Pistons a key additional layer of skill depth. With him on the team, they have an additional body who can be their main playmaker, shot creator or floor spacer on the court. If somebody like Duncan Robinson has to miss a game with a fever, LeVert can fill in his role adequately.
After playing on four teams so far in his nine seasons, LeVert brings a level-headed nature that will be good for team chemistry. He’s been on winning teams and losing teams, so he can support a winning culture for the Pistons. Already, fellow new arrival Duncan Robinson applauded LeVert for making him feel more comfortable joining the Pistons.
Caris LeVert is clearly the type of role player that every team would love to have. Bringing him in off the bench to fill whatever role is needed will be a huge advantage for the Pistons, especially over the grind of the 82-game regular season. It’s not reasonable to expect all the Pistons to make it through the entire season without missing any games, but it is reasonable to count on Caris LeVert to fill in for missing players whenever he can.