Caris LeVert was a fun addition to the Indiana Pacers last season.
When the Indiana Pacers made the switch from Victor Oladipo to Caris LeVert last season, there was a nice blend of optimism and confusion. On one hand, the Pacers were getting a fresh start in the backcourt as Oladipo appeared set on not returning after the season. But Caris LeVert was slated to miss some time and the Pacers traded Oladipo after a hot start to the season.
Indiana started the season with an 8-4 record including wins over the Knicks, Celtics, and Warriors. Victor Oladipo was then abruptly traded to the Rockets following the deal that sent James Harden to the Nets for a package that included Caris LeVert. The Pacers flipped Oladipo for LeVert and some draft picks with the knowledge that Caris may not even suit up for them in 2021.
LeVert played in 12 games for the Nets, including four starts, and averaged 18.5 points per game prior to the trade. Just three games before he was dealt, LeVert dropped 43 points and shot 7-of-9 from beyond the arc. The Pacers were getting a scorer.
The unfortunate medical showed Caris had a mass and would require surgery, which inevitably kept him out of hoops for two months. He finally debuted for the Pacers on March 13 against the Suns and the Pacers had some success with Caris.
His first season with the Pacers was filled with ups and downs but Caris LeVert provided a spark for a team that needs it moving forward. How would his first season look on a report card?
Caris LeVert shined for the Indiana Pacers
It took a few weeks for LeVert to really get his feet back under him once he left the lineup but things quickly looked upward for the guard. He scored in double-figures in each of his first three appearances but hit a bit of a wall after that.
Over his next eight starts, Caris scored 14.5 points per game but shot just 36 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range. From there, things really clicked for LeVert.
He finished the season with 23.4 points per game over his final 24 starts and boosted his shooting numbers in the process. Those 23.4 points came on .466/.326/.832 splits which was much better than his first few weeks in the Blue and Gold.
In total, Caris started in all 35 of his appearances with the Pacers last season while pouring in 20.7 points per game with 4.9 assists to his credit as well. He became a go-to scoring option late in the season and took over games when he felt the need to do so.
LeVert reached 30+ points five times for the Pacers. In a six-game stretch between late April and early March, LeVert averaged 29 points per game, three of such games included at least 31 points. In a late battle with the Wizards as both teams fought for a playoff spot, LeVert exploded for 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists in a one-point loss.
Caris LeVert was the closer for a team that needs one in a bad way. The future with LeVert at the helm looks a bit more promising than it did just a few months ago.
Grading Indiana Pacers guard Caris LeVert after one season
Caris LeVert only missed one game after returning to the lineup from his two-month absence. He would also miss the play-in games due to safety protocol. Still, those two months were crushing for a Pacers team that looked somewhat respectable in a tough Eastern Conference early in the season. The team hit a wall and could not get back into the mix as the end of the season arrived.
Of course, Caris’ medical problems are not his fault and he should not be graded harshly because of a serious condition but when looking at the season from a grand scale, his absence was a factor.
It may have taken some time for LeVert’s impact to be felt in Indiana but he was a stud once he was back in basketball shape. His ability to take over and be the scoring leader late in the season should give fans some hope as he heads into a full season with the team.
Rooting for LeVert was easy for fans as well. His story was incredible and his attitude once arrive in Indiana was admirable. Overall, his season was a fun one.
Final grade: B+
Is this maybe a little high for a guy who missed a good portion of the season and took some time to get settled? Sure. But Caris LeVert proved he is a capable starter in the backcourt and could even be the lead guy on occasion.
LeVert should be locked into the roster next season while other key players may not be. He could even become the Pacers’ primary ball-handler depending on how this offseason goes.