Why the Orlando restart could be a turning point for Caris LeVert

Brooklyn Nets wing Caris LeVert has a great opportunity to prove he’s the franchise’s third star while in the Disney World bubble.

Brooklyn Nets wing Caris LeVert is waiting to erupt.

A four-year player out of Michigan, LeVert is nicknamed “Baby Durant” for a reason. LeVert’s ability to score in multiple ways is his greatest strength, and it’s going to make him the Nets’ undisputed best player as the franchise hurtles toward the NBA’s restart.

LeVert had surgery on his right thumb in November, and he didn’t return until January. He has played in 39 games this season, and he’s still managed to improve. This season, LeVert averaged a career-high 17.7 points per game and shot a career-best 38.1% from the 3-point line.

Spencer Dinwiddie, one of the Nets’ primary ball handlers, won’t play in Orlando after testing positive for COVID-19 again on Monday. Considering Dinwiddie was the lead guard, that responsibility will now go to LeVert.

And as a budding shot-maker, LeVert is more than capable of achieving success.

LeVert has increased his scoring numbers each season he’s been in the league. His field goal percentage numbers have decreased each season, but that’s in part because his number of field goal attempts has gone up each season. This season, he took a career-high 15.6 shots a game.

On top of that, he’s shown he’s capable of commanding an offense for stretches. LeVert has averaged 3.5 assists for his career, and he has dished 4.1 assists per game this season.

He had his first career triple-double March 6, when he scored 27 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished 10 assists as Brooklyn defeated the San Antonio Spurs.

LeVert will have to shoot about 20 shots because of how much offense the Nets will lack. Along with Dinwiddie, the Nets will also be without Kevin Durant (right Achilles), Kyrie Irving (right shoulder), DeAndre Jordan (elected to opt-out after testing positive for COVID-19), Nicolas Claxton (left shoulder) and Wilson Chandler (elected to opt-out) in Orlando.

Perhaps he can have a 50-point outburst in Orlando, just like when he scored a career-high 51 points against the Boston Celtics on March 3.

The Nets aren’t even going to make it out the first round in, assuming they secure a playoff spot.

Brooklyn, currently ranked seventh in the Eastern Conference, hasn’t officially earned a playoff berth. But the Washington Wizards are 5.5 games behind the Orlando Magic, and Bradley Beal isn’t coming to Orlando because of a shoulder injury. The Nets should be able to comfortably have a playoff spot by the time the seeding games finish.

Brooklyn isn’t a contender, but LeVert has a great opportunity to leverage himself as the clear third option for next season, when Durant and Irving are supposed to be back healthy.

A wing player with LeVert’s skill is the perfect complement for scoring dynamos in Durant and Irving.

LeVert doesn’t project as a No. 1 and No. 2 option right now — and the crazy thing is, he did well as Dinwiddie’s scoring partner. This season, he’s had the Nets’ third-highest usage percentage (27.7%), right behind Irving and Dinwiddie. The usage percentage is also a career-best for LeVert.

LeVert playing with Durant and Irving means he’s going to earn the easiest of shots. He could end up having the best efficiency of his career next season.

And despite the Nets’ slim chances to make it out of the first round, what’s more important is how the early part of the restart could be a pivotal time in the young wing’s development.

The stage will undoubtedly be LeVert’s.