Detroit — Adaptability has been one of the key pillars of the Detroit Pistons’ success this season. From management to the players, the Pistons have demonstrated an uncanny ability to adjust to any situation. However, no one embodied adaptability more than Caris LeVert.
When he signed with the franchise as a free agent in July, the Pistons pursued him, knowing that his versatility would help them reach new heights after a year of resurgence. LeVert has been a key player for the Pistons during their 60-win season, but his greatest influence has been evident throughout the playoffs.
“For me, it was all about knowing where I am in my career and knowing how good this team was,” LeVert said. “It was all about getting my body right for this moment (the postseason) while realizing that there is still more room for me to grow. It’s all about playing winning basketball, which has always been the most important thing for me.”
LeVert’s contributions to the Pistons’ success went beyond the statistics listed on his player card during his 10th season. A handful of knick-knack injuries and an illness in mid-January led to the Pistons managing him throughout much of the season, resulting in him averaging career lows of 7.4 points on 41.7% shooting from the field, 33.3% from deep, 2.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds across 60 games.
LeVert’s season began on the wrong note during training camp when he underwent surgery on his right wrist, which affected his ability to prepare normally for the year. While ramping up his rehab late in training camp, LeVert’s knee flared up, creating another obstacle.
The personal struggles LeVert faced throughout the regular season forced him to adapt to his new reality and find different ways to be productive. LeVert recognized that — for the moment — he was not the same player who had averaged 27.8 minutes per game during the first nine seasons of his career. He realized early on that his greatest impact on the team could come from sharing advice and keeping their morale high during difficult moments.
“He’s a pro, the way he carries himself and how he handles different things being thrown at him,” guard Cade Cunningham said. “He can adapt to anything, and he gets so much respect from that alone. His versatility on the court allows us to play him on and off the ball. He’s been in a lot of different situations and knows what it takes.”
One of LeVert’s most important moments came when he took on a more advisory role as the Pistons fell behind 3-1 to the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs.
LeVert drew on his past experiences and lessons to help the Pistons avoid giving up on the series, which became the foundation for Detroit’s comeback. It was his most significant contribution to the series, given that he averaged 12.8 minutes per game.
Cunningham continued, “He is just a great dude and a great teammate. He is a player whom we have needed in big moments throughout the season, and he has always come through.”
LeVert assumed a critical role in the Pistons’ Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. As Detroit sought an extra boost on the court, his importance and adaptability in the Pistons’ success became increasingly evident.
Throughout the seven-game series, he has adapted to every role the Pistons needed — from go-to scorer to one of the top defenders, helping the team contain the high-scoring production of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell. After receiving limited minutes against the Magic, LeVert averaged 20.5 minutes against the Cavaliers, scoring 9.0 points per game to go along with 1.2 steals.
Despite the Pistons sustaining a 112-103 Game 4 loss at Rocket Arena on May 11, LeVert had his best scoring output of the season, finishing with a team-high 24 points, 17 of which came in the first half.
“This is why ‘Vert is here,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He isn’t afraid of the moment. He is a two-way impactful player. He can put a ton of pressure on defenses. He has that off-rhythm cadence to his game, which makes him hard to guard. He can get to the paint and make shots.”
“Defensively, he is a pest. He can put his hands on people. He is digging at the ball. He can get deflections, get steals, and take one-on-ones. This is why we wanted ‘Vert to be with us this year, because we knew what he is capable of in moments like this.”
LeVert faced ongoing frustration throughout the season as he struggled to regain full health. However, the one silver lining for him was that he knew each moment would bring him closer to being ready for the postseason. Having overcome significant obstacles, he has successfully adapted to various situations this season, which will continue to make him a major asset for any team he plays for throughout his career.
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: In Detroit Pistons’ postseason run, Caris LeVert’s adaptability shines