New Pistons guard Caris LeVert credited former Cavaliers and current Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff for his growth on the defensive end as a player and expressed excitement about returning to form under him, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic writes.
“J.B. brought out a different part of my game, and I’ve always said that. Once I went to Cleveland, I was asked to play defense,” LeVert said. “Before then, I wasn’t really asked to play defense, and I think that’s one of the stronger parts of my game now. Those things really helped me take my game to the next level.
“Before I went to Cleveland and played under J.B., I was a different player, and I think he challenged me to be the more well-rounded player I am today, so I’m definitely looking forward to this time around.”
LeVert, a Michigan product, will also reunite with former Wolverine Duncan Robinson on the Pistons. Detroit will lean heavily on LeVert after losing Tim Hardaway Jr. to free agency and with Malik Beasley‘s NBA future up in the air.
“I’m a big fan of the culture here,” LeVert said. “I played for J.B. for three years. I’m a big fan of a lot of the guys on the team. [I’m] a fan of how they work, how they play, how competitive they are. I think they’ve got a lot of high-character guys in the organization. … I’m super excited to be playing back here in the state of Michigan and playing for this team.”
Hardaway was another teammate of LeVert’s during their time at Michigan. Within a story by The Detroit Free Press’s Omari Sankofa II, LeVert explained that the now-Nuggets wing was crucial to him signing with Detroit.
“I talked to Tim probably the morning before I signed,” LeVert said. “We talked on FaceTime for a while. He was just telling me how great everybody was here, just reassuring me, letting me know that it’s a great organization, great people, obviously great players. He was definitely someone who I leaned on for this decision.“
“Before I got to Cleveland, no one told me I had to play defense.”
– Caris Levert, pretty much.
Yeah who of thought Defense was important or required, lols.
🤣🤣🤣
And that’s what really has changed about the NBA.
To some teams and coaches it’s not a priority. And that goes double for the new fans.
“J.B. brought out a different part of my game, and I’ve always said that. Once I went to Cleveland, I was asked to play defense,” LeVert said. “Before then, I wasn’t really asked to play defense, and I think that’s one of the stronger parts of my game now. Those things really helped me take my game to the next level.”
It’s not about playing D for 48 mins. To be successful in the NBA you have to make stops. Good teams know when to apply the pressure. Good players make defensive plays.if you watched the playoffs last year. You should know Defense wins games. It’s a 2way sport and great players on offense and defense. You win with both …….
Has to be over 100 times on this board. That I have been told … “no one plays D in NBA” …..
you know who you are …..
Caris can help Pistons. Plus being with his old coach has to help. Pistons are ready to level up this year. Ivey is coming back. They have a good team.