For some NBA players, coming off the bench seems like the worst thing that could happen in their basketball career. Perhaps it sometimes gets lost in history that legends like Manu Ginobli and Kevin McHale helped their respective franchises win multiple NBA titles.
So when Steve Nash expressed he was entertaining the idea of Caris LeVert being Brooklyn’s sixth man that would still help close games, it made sense. It’s between him and Spencer Dinwiddie for sixth man and Kyrie Irving’s starting backcourt mate. Why not let the LeVert, who’s the better scorer of the two, run the second unit and let Dinwiddie start so he can do a little bit of everything, which he’s both good at and clearly comfortable with?
Also helps that LeVert is open to the idea, too.
“There are small, minor adjustments but I think there are positives coming off the bench as well,” LeVert said on a Zoom call with reporters Tuesday. “You get a chance to examine the game from a different perspective. See how the defense is playing certain actions, see how they are going with ball screens, transition, and things like that. See which guys have it going so when you get in the game, you make that adjustment and give energy where it is needed and things like that.
“I try to look at each situation and try to find a positive out of each one so I am looking forward to that challenge if that is what it is going to be. If not, we will adjust accordingly. For me, it is about whatever happens happens. I am just excited to play basketball. It is a blessing.”
Ultimately, LeVert has the same approach as Dinwiddie — and most others in Brooklyn.
“For me, I am just excited to get out there and contribute to wins in any way possible,” LeVert said. “If that is starting or coming off the bench, Steve and I will talk more about it. I think everyone’s main goal is winning basketball games and putting us in the position to do so.”