2016 NBA Draft Prospects: Breaking Down NBA Future of Michigan’s Caris LeVert

Caris LeVert’s draft stock could fluctuate more than any other player at the NBA Draft Combine, and he’s not likely to even touch a basketball.

LeVert, who was once thought of as an NBA mid-first-rounder, had surgery on his left foot on March 22, which was his third foot surgery in the last 22 months. The combine will provide NBA teams the chance to examine his foot and determine the risk in drafting him.

“Teams are still interested, they’re just looking to meet me at the combine,” LeVert told reporters on April 13 at the Michigan Wolverines’ end-of-year banquet. “Everyone’s really anxious to see. Team doctors are anxious to get their hands on me.”

An NBA scout told Bleacher Report in regard to LeVert’s foot injuries: “It is a concern. I think if a team red-flags him, he’s screwed at the end of the day. That’s what all teams are waiting to see.”

There’s a lot to like about a healthy LeVert. At 6’7″, he’s a skilled wing who can create off the bounce with a smooth jumper, and he’s still only 21 after spending four years at Michigan.

Relevant stats

LeVert’s numbers are solid across the board and show he improved throughout his career, but the biggest concern is the fact that he played only 33 games the last two years.

His shooting numbers did dip his junior year when he inherited the role of go-to scorer for the first time, but he looked to be more comfortable in that role as a senior.

Strengths

Head coach John Beilein gives his guards a lot of responsibility in his two-guard offense, so it was the perfect setting for LeVert to display his skill level and grow as a player. 

He also benefited from playing with former Michigan point guard Trey Burke as a freshman. LeVert and Burke played one-on-one almost every day, and Burke deserves an assist for helping LeVert evolve into one of the best off-the-dribble scorers to come through Michigan. 

That experience gives LeVert a leg up on most prospects. He’s comfortable in isolation situations and worked out of ball screens a lot in Beilein’s offense. He scored from all three levels, and his size is helpful in the mid-range, especially against smaller defenders. 

The Wolverines also shoot a lot of threes, and LeVert is a knockdown shooter in spot-up situations. He’s also fluid from long range off the dribble. 

LeVert’s biggest improvement throughout his career was his passing and creating for others. Per KenPom.com, he had an assist rate of 32.9 percent as a senior, which is a good number …

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