Caris LeVert to return to action at perfect time for Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers All-Star center Domantas Sabonis was recently responding to questions from members of the media when asked how much better the Pacers can be when guard Caris LeVert returns to the field.

“I feel like that’s what we missed,” Sabonis said after denouncing many of LeVert’s skills.

The “id” he refers to in his answer is a lot. This is the manipulation of LeVert’s ball. It’s his game and his aggressiveness – his dynamic style of play. Caris LeVert would add a ton to the Pacers, and many of his best skills are the ones the blue and gold desperately need.

“He looked great. He looked confident, “Sabonis said of LeVert’s performance in training with the team.” Really good in the pick-and-roll, being aggressive, going downhill, giving us more options. him, creating open plans for everyone.

LeVert hasn’t adjusted for the Pacers since they acquired him in a trade for Victor Oladipo about two months ago. During the medical screening process, teams perform trades, a cancerous mass was discovered on LeVert’s kidney. Its removal required surgery, but the Pacers Protector will not require any further treatment and should fully recover.

After that surgery heals, LeVert’s debut for the Pacers will take place tonight against the Phoenix Suns. He has confirmed he will play in this game after the Pacers’ loss to the Lakers on Friday. “I expect to play against Phoenix tomorrow,” he said.

This timing is fantastic for the Pacers. The team are currently seated at 16-20, and they have limped to an 8-16 record since firing Oladipo in a trade. The team need the skills LeVert can provide – he could get his season back on track.

Offensive variance is at the forefront of the advantages offered by LeVert. The Pacers have been poor in terms of scoring, they are ranked 18th in the offensive standings this season. In recent weeks, the team have often seemed static when they have the ball. The opposing teams have figured out a lot that Nate Bjorkgren’s side want to do, and the defenses are able to send double teams to Sabonis and other ball handlers to slow the blue and gold down. The offense slows down considerably a few times in each game.

LeVert will reduce and potentially remove these stale scopes. He’s not so dominant that he single-handedly can save the Pacers when they’re out of rhythm, but the Pacers are in desperate need of another creative ball handler, and LeVert can be. He’ll grab the attention of defenses even when he’s away from the game, and he’s more than able to see well when he’s got the ball in his hands. It provides a level of creation that the Pacers don’t have on the roster yet.

“It can be huge. Complete game change, ”said starting point goalie Malcolm Brogdon of LeVert’s upcoming return. “He changes the screening report. Having another dynamic goalscorer on the pitch … can really help this team.

“He looks good. To me he looks ready to play,” added Brogdon.

Brogdon often manages the ball for Indiana – LeVert’s return will reduce some of the defensive pressure Brogdon exerts in each game. LeVert has canned over 65% of his shots out of cups in his last full season, and he’s a pretty fine shooter. These skills together will give Brogdon another option he can throw the ball to when the team needs a bucket. LeVert can be a safety valve.

He also has the ability to create snapshots for himself. This will deter opponents from charging on Brogdon as often as they do now, LeVert can carve out a defense for himself that leaves him too much space. His return from injury will change the way the Pacers are defended, and his presence and skills will create space for others.

If the Indiana coaching staff wish, they could let LeVert facilitate some actions and allow Brogdon to work on the ball. Brogdon thrives as an off-ball shooter and slasher, and LeVert can slice through defenses with his grip. These two should flourish when playing on each other.

“He can play the point,” Bjorkgren said of LeVert, perhaps hinting that the two ball handlers will share first guard responsibilities.

If LeVert had a chance to launch the attack, his efficiency in the pick-and-roll will be a boon to the team. He’s scored on 37.1% of his possessions as a ball handler in the pick-and-roll with Brooklyn this season, and he’s averaging seven points per game in that type of play alone. tunnel vision, but it is effective when browsing a screen.

His rim finish is solid, LeVert hit 66% of his 0-3-foot shost before running out of time this season. He combines that efficiency around the basket with some nifty float play – the Michigan product has plenty of ways to score once he gets through his defender.

“He’s going to put more pressure on the defense in areas where we haven’t been pushing lately,” Sabonis said of LeVert.

LeVert’s passing has improved dramatically throughout his career. After averaging just 3.2 assists per 36 minutes during his rookie season, the 6’6 winger increased that number to 7.8. He had many opportunities to become a distributor with the Nets this season, and he took full advantage of them to refine his craft. LeVert isn’t going to open the door for his teammates or create opportunities with passing creativity, but he slowly improves in playing the game and can make easy passes with precision and without delay. Bjorkgren should be able to confidentially draft plays using LeVert as a passer and trust him to make the right decisions.

It’s unclear what LeVert’s role will be in the immediate aftermath of his return. LeVert himself said on Friday that he wasn’t sure exactly what his playing time situation would be like. He will likely start alongside Brogdon in the backcourt when he is fully integrated, but as time goes on. he’s taking action, there’s a chance he’ll leave the bench in his first few games. Once he starts games, one of Doug McDermott or Justin Holiday’s players will move up from the top five to a bench role, which is a place in the rotation that both players are more used to. Edmond Sumner or Jeremy Lamb will see reduced minutes with LeVert getting playing time.

Regardless of LeVert’s specific role, his versatility in attack will allow him to succeed with the starting five and with the second unit. He could thrive playing an offside role with the starters and a more dominant role on the ball with the bench. Its versatility allows it to be part of a variety of queues at any guard post.

“When Caris comes back, it gives us a different look in itself. He’s a downhill player, ”said Bjorkgren. “He can play the ball. He’s really good at getting off screens and attacking and drawing defense.

LeVert’s defense, meanwhile, is nothing short of remarkable. He stays engaged and has the length to be a disruptor on the less glamorous side of the floor, but he’s not a go-to stopper either.

Still, it can bring positive value to this end of the field. He’s a better defender than McDermott and Lamb, and Bjorkgren’s disruptive defensive style should suit LeVert’s underhand existence well. The Pacers’ 13th-ranked defense is expected to continue at about the same level as LeVert in the lineup.

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

LeVert has played several 40-point games over the past two seasons – he’s a sensational player at his best. At worst, his attack can be clumsy, but his firepower will still add a ton of value to a Pacers team in desperate need of it. He can hit unique shots, he will open up space for others, and he can put his feet in the paint when handling the ball. LeVert will change the offensive geometry in a way that will improve the team.

Combine that with defensive skills that won’t be a hindrance, and it’s clear how much LeVert can help a struggling Pacers team.

“He’s going to put more pressure on the defense in areas where we haven’t been pushing lately,” Sabonis said. “He’s going to give us a full game that we need.”

“Need” can be a strong diction, but the Pacers could use a jerk. LeVert can provide it, and his comeback couldn’t come at a better time for blue and gold. After going through one of the most difficult weeks imaginable for an NBA player in January, Caris LeVert will soon be returning to the field. The Pacers and LeVert hope his return can save Indiana’s season.