NBA Draft: Caris Lavert would be an Ideal Fit for Chicago Bulls
The former Michigan basketball star may have seen his stock plummet in the 2016 NBA draft, but he if falls to the Chicago Bulls spot in the second round, they would be foolish not to take him.
Following his sophomore season with Michigan basketball, Caris Lavert had the look of a potential lottery pick in the NBA draft whenever he decided to declare.
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Lavert played his junior season and after a tremendous start, injuries cut it short about midway through the year and he played just 18 games. He averaged 14.9 points per game, as well as 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals. He also shot 40 percent from three and 43 percent overall.
After the Michigan basketball team lost a number of players to the NBA draft in 2013 and 2014, Lavert became the star of the program and appeared to be the next lottery pick in line. Even after his injury-riddled 2014-15 campaign, he was just one bounce-back season away from being a first-round pick, even a pretty high one.
Overall, Lavert has the making of a very talented two-way player in the NBA. He’s long, athletic and he can shoot the three.
Unfortunately, injuries struck again in 2015-16 and Lavert was limited to just 15 games. That has caused his stock to really fall. Now, the one-time first-round projection is looking at being a second-round pick.
Right now, Lavert appears to be finally healthy and if he is, he could be a second-round steal for a team like the Chicago Bulls.
Truth to be told, in the 15 games Lavert did play last season, he was great. He played like a near-lottery pick. He increased his scoring average to 16.5 points per game, while playing 30.9 minutes a night, compared to 35 his junior year.
Lavert not only raised his scoring average, he was extremely efficient in doing so. He shot 54 percent from the field overall and raised his 3-point percentage to 44.
The senior also averaged 5.4 rebounds per game and 4.9 assists. He was a facilitator, but also pushed his free-throw-attempts per game up to 4.5. That’s a one free throw per game increase in five less minute of floor time.
When it comes to ability, there is no question that Lavert is NBA-caliber. He’s a solid defender and he can score the basketball. He may not be a star, but he can be a quality starter.
The reason he would be a great fit for the Bulls in this year’s NBA draft is that he reminds me of Jimmy Butler.
Lavert isn’t the defender Butler was coming out of college, but he’s a better scorer. And at 6-7, 200 pounds, he has enough size that if the All-Star stays in Chicago, Lavert could end up being a perfect running mate at small forward.
Currently, Lavert is being projected to go in the second round, but whether it’s middle or early is hard to tell. With his skills, even though there is risk, he seems well worth an early second-round pick, one thing the Bulls don’t have.
It’s possible Lavert could last to their pick in the second round, which is No. 48. But if not, working out some kind of trade, say possibly a veteran or paying cash for a second-rounder that’s a little earlier.
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Certainly his health will always be a concern, but if the Bulls draft Lavert and manage to keep him out of the training room, he’ll prove to be a steal.