National Basketball Association

Brooklyn Nets: Caris LeVert Participates in Practice

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Brooklyn Nets first-round pick Caris LeVert practiced for the Nets on Monday, Kenny Atkinson announced. The development is a sign of progress for LeVert as he recovers from a foot injury.

Brooklyn Nets first round pick Caris LeVert has missed time since being drafted due to a foot injury he suffered while at the University of Michigan. Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson said LeVert was limited in practice, but he was a participant.

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“He’s on schedule,” Atkinson said regarding LeVert, per NBA.com. “Each guy’s got their plan, and we’re just being smart with all of our guys. We’re definitely not looking to rush people in preseason.”

The fact that LeVert practiced is a sign of progress. However, the Nets are making it clear that they won’t put LeVert into a game-situation until he is ready. “We’re just being smart,” Atkinson said. “Day by day we look at what it looks like and we talk to our performance team and to our coaches. He’s progressing. We can’t project down the road.”

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At this point, there is no timetable for LeVert to make his Nets debut. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Brooklyn, largely due to their trade with the Boston Celtics, has struggled to add young players to its core. LeVert is one of the young players the Nets hope to develop, and eventually rely on.

There is no reason to rush LeVert. The Nets are set at point guard with Jeremy Lin, and have multiple viable options to start at shooting guard. LeVert, in time, could work his way into the rotation. But for now, the Nets are content to take their time with LeVert, only putting him on the floor once he is fully ready.

LeVert is one of the players that Nets fans have been quite excited about. LeVert has terrific size for a guard, he is very athletic, and can score in a multitude of ways. If LeVert is able to stay healthy, he could very well end up as the steal of the draft.

The key with LeVert will be patience. The Nets don’t want to rush him back and risk further injury, which is smart. Once LeVert ultimately makes his debut, he will give the Nets a unique skill at shooting guard, and perhaps point guard as well.

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