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Caris LeVert's years in Ann Arbor were memorable yet at times disappointing. After his last two season were shortened by injury, the former Michigan Wolverines guard will finally realized his dream of playing in the NBA. The Brooklyn Nets were apparently not scared by LeVert's injury history and selected him in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft.
Playing in only 14 games in 2015 was a disappointing senior season for LeVert. He was able to average 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists in his limited time in 2016. His last full season in Ann Arbor was his sophomore season were he averaged 12.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in 37 games.
LeVert's versatility is similar to that of former Michigan State forward and 2016 first round pick Denzel Valentine. Like Valentine, Levert has the size to play the small forward position but also has the skill set to play either guard spot. Levert will likely be a combo guard at the next level. His 6'7" frame gives him the ability to shoot over most guards in the NBA. He has a thin, lanky body with room to add muscle. Levert's 6'10" wingspan and speed will make him difficult to beat off the dribble.
LeVert has had foot problems his entire college career. After undergoing surgery on his left foot, LeVert spent time in a walking boot and on crutches. His injury also held him out of the NBA combine. But for LeVert, every conversation about starts with his foot and the questions surrounding it. As he mentioned in his piece on the Players Tribune on the eve of the draft, he is not worried about his foot.
The broken foot LeVert suffered is the same injury Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant had in 2014. While foot injuries should not be taken lightly in basketball, Durant met with LeVert before the draft and reassured he will be back to form. LeVert and Durant are both signed with Roc Nation and had the same doctor perform their foot surgeries.
The Brooklyn Nets may have struck gold on LeVert, who could be a steal should he regain his pre-injury form. The adversity of this young man will be tested but a healthy LeVert could contribute for a long time at the NBA level. A player that was once seen as a lock for the first round years ago has now become a high risk, high reward pick for the Brooklyn Nets.