Caris LeVert returns to action at just the right time for the Indiana Pacers

Domantas Sabonis, the Indiana Pacers All-Star center, recently raised questions from members of the media when asked how good the Pacers can be when guard Caris LeVert returns to court.

“I feel like that’s what we’ve been missing,” Sabonis said after taking away a lot of LeVert’s skills.

The “that” he is referring to is the answer to many things. It’s a LeVert member treatment. It’s his playfulness and aggression – his dynamic style of play. Caris LeVert added a ton to the Pacers, and has many of his best skills as much-needed blue and gold.

“It looked really good. He looked confident, “Sabonis said of LeVert ‘s performance in practice with the team.” Very good in the pick and roll, being aggressive, going downhill, gives us more options. feels like it attracts a lot of protection, creating views that are open to everyone. ”

LeVert has not been a fit for the Pacers since they found him in a trade for Victor Oladipo about two months ago. During the health screening process teams go through to finish a craft, a cancerous mass was found on LeVert’s kidney. He needed surgery to remove it, but Pacers’ guard will not need further treatment and is expected to recover completely.

After recovering from that surgery, LeVert ‘s debate for the Pacers comes tonight against the Phoenix Suns. He confirmed he would play in that game after the Pacers lost to the Lakers on Friday. “I plan to play against Phoenix tomorrow,” he said.

This is a wonderful time for the Pacers. The team is currently at 16-20, and have fallen to an 8-16 record since beating Oladipo in a trade. The team needs the skills that LeVert can provide – he would get their season back on track.

At the very beginning of the benefits that LeVert offers is an offensive distinction. The Pacers have been minimal when it comes to scoring, they are ranked 18th in offensive rankings this season. In the last few weeks, the team has been watching non-stop when they have the ball. Opposition teams have achieved a lot of what Nate Bjorkgren ‘s team wants to do, and the defenders are able to send double teams at Sabonis and other ball handlers to make the blue and gold. make it slower. The offense slows down drastically for a few situations every game.

LeVert reduces, and possibly eliminates, those stale stretches. It’s not as strong as the Pacers can save on their own when out of rhythm, but the Pacers desperately need another creative ball manipulator, and LeVert can be that way. He attracts the attention of defenders even when he is away from the playoffs, and is more than capable of getting a good view when the ball is in his hands. It brings a level of creation that the Pacers do not currently have on the roster.

“It can be huge. A perfect game changer, ”starting guard Malcolm Brogdon said of LeVert’s return. “It changes the scouting report. Getting another dynamic score on the floor … can really help this team.

“It looks good. For me it looks ready to play, ”said Brogdon.

Brogdon handles the ball frequently for Indiana – LeVert’s return scales back some of the defensive pressure Brogdon handles each game. LeVert put over 65% of his views away from cuts in his last season, and he’s good enough to shoot on the spot. These combined skills give Brogdon another option with which he can turn the ball to when the team needs a bucket. LeVert can be a safety valve.

He also has the ability to create scenes for himself. That will stop opponents from loading up on Brogdon as often as they do now, LeVert can carve out a defense that gives him too much space. His return from injury will change the way the Pacers are protected, and his presence and skills will create some space for others.

If Indiana coaches want to, they could let LeVert make certain actions possible and let Brogdon work off the ball. Brogdon thrives as an off-ball shooter and slasher, and LeVert can slide through defenses with his hand. Those two should succeed by playing off each other.

“He can play the point,” Bjorkgren said of LeVert, possibly noting that the two ball handlers share key guard responsibilities.

If LeVert is given the opportunity to run the offense, his effectiveness in the selection and roll will be a blow to the team. He finished 37.1% of what he had as the ball handler in the selection and selection by Brooklyn this season, and averaged seven points in the game in that type of play alone. It gets a tunnel view at times, but is effective when navigating around a screen.

His finish is at the hard edge, LeVert hitting 66% of his pit from 0-3 feet before missing time this season. He pairs that efficiency around the basket with a crafty floater game – there are many ways in the Michigan product that he can score once he gets with his defender.

“It’s going to put more emphasis on defense in areas where we haven’t been putting pressure recently,” Sabonis said of LeVert.

LeVert’s passing has improved tremendously throughout his career. After averaging just 3.2 assists every 36 minutes in his rookie year, the 6’6 wing has grown that number to 7.8. He got exciting opportunities to be a quarterback with the Nets this season, and took full advantage of updating his craft. LeVert isn’t going to throw his teammates open or create chances with passing creativity, but he’s slowly getting better at reading the game and can make the passes easily to correct and prompt. Bjorkgren should be able to design plays with confidence that LeVert uses as a passenger and trusts him to make the right decisions.

It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post. LeVert himself mentioned on Friday that he is not quite sure what the playing time situation will be. He may start with Brogdon in the back court when he is fully integrated, but as he grows into action, he is likely to come off the bench in his first few games. Once he starts games, one of Doug McDermott or Justin Holiday will be moved from the opening five to a mountain role, which is a place in the turn that both players are more accustomed to. Edmond Sumner or Jeremy Lamb will see fewer minutes with LeVert getting playtime.

Whatever LeVert’s unique role, his flexibility with offense will allow him to succeed with both the starting five and the second unit. He could succeed by playing a role outside of a ball with the starters and a bigger space with a ball with the bench. Its flexibility allows it to be part of a variety of layers at any defensive position.

“When Caris comes back, it gives us a different perspective in itself. He’s a downhill player, ”said Bjorkgren. “He can play the ball. It’s great to get off screens and attack and pull the defense. ”

At the same time, LeVert’s defense is far from important. He stays engaged and has the length of a mess on the floor end that is less glamorous, but it is no longer a stop.

However, it can provide positive value on that end of the court. He’s a better defender than McDermott and Lamb, and Bjorkgren’s foul defensive style should fit LeVert’s moving move well. Pacers 13th status defense should go on par with LeVert in the lineup.

“In terms of defense, he’s long and athletic,” Sabonis said of LeVert. “It’s in the gaps. It is aggressive. ”

LeVert has had several 40-point games in the last two seasons – he’s an emotional player at best. At worst, his offense can be clunky, but his firepower still adds a ton of value to a much-needed Pacers team. He can hit certain hits, open up space for others, and get his feet into the paint as he handles the ball. LeVert will change the offensive geometry in a way that develops the team.

Combine that with defensive abilities that won’t be a hindrance, and it’s clear to what extent LeVert can help a struggling Pacers team.

“It’s going to put more emphasis on defense in areas where we haven’t put pressure recently,” Sabonis said. “It’s going to give us a game we need.”

“Need” may sound like strong, but the Pacers could use a jolt. LeVert can deliver, and he couldn’t return at a better time for the blue and gold. After going through one of the most difficult weeks an NBA player can imagine back in January, Caris LeVert will return to court soon. The Pacers, and LeVert, will be hoping he can save Indiana ‘s season return.