Top 10 NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates Entering 2016-17

LeVert is another player who comes into the league in an interesting position. The Nets traded up to the 20th spot in the draft specifically targeting the Michigan standout.  Despite injury concerns the Brooklyn Nets valued him far above his second round projection. The Nets anticipated a talent-deprived back-court as they traded up.  That vacuum will give LeVert ample opportunity to break into the rotation.  He actually could find himself as one of the more utilized rookies once his off-season injury woes have passed.

There’s a number of different layers to LeVert’s game.  He operates like a point guard at times, while still standing relatively tall for the 2-guard spot at 6-7.

With Jeremy Lin and Greivis Vasquez manning the primary point guard roles for the Nets, it’s likely that we’ll see LeVert playing off the ball for the vast majority of the season, being utilized both as a spacing threat and a secondary playmaker in pick-and-roll situations.

He’s the type of player who can keep the ball flowing offensively.  He has both the basketball I.Q. and talent necessary to step into a legitimate role from day one.

While not a knock down shooter, he hit 45 percent from outside during his final season with Michigan.  He accomplished that while taking just upwards of four shots per game from that distance. LeVert has proven his value as somebody who can step off the ball and knock down shots when he isn’t controlling the pace of the game.  That should translate well for his immediate utility at the NBA level.

LeVert’s defensive prowess is another benefit on a Nets team that could do better than some expect in that regard. Brook Lopez has been notorious for his lack of shot blocking in the past, but recent seasons have shown evident improvement from the big body underneath. Jeremy Lin is also a versatile piece on the perimeter, and players like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Sean Kilpatrick give them some capable athletes to work with defensively. LeVert can cover essentially all three backcourt positions, one through three, and will only become more notable on that side of the ball as his frame matures.

LeVert has both the talent and the opportunity this upcoming season. He fell from a first round projection due to concerns over his injuries.  The Nets looked past those concerns from a need at back court.  The Nets paid handsomely to acquire him for their thin backcourt . Don’t be overly surprised to see LeVert carry a real chunk of the offensive load in some capacity in 2016-17.