Caris LeVert sits at the top of Atlanta’s priority list this offseason. The veteran shooting guard joined the Hawks at the February trade deadline, averaging 14.9 points on 48.2% shooting across 26 appearances.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Lauren L. Williams recently reported on the Hawks’ high interest in resigning LeVert. Williams noted LeVert’s immediate impact after joining Trae Young and company in Atlanta.
“Following the acquisition of LeVert, as well as Terance Mann and Georges Niang in February, the Hawks saw an uptick in their winning percentage,” Williams wrote in her June 2 report. “They went 17-14 in their final 31 games of the regular season to their 23-28 record before the trade deadline Feb. 7. The three additions provided the Hawks with depth, but LeVert gave the Hawks scoring in crunch-time situations … LeVert shot 72% overall in the clutch, while making 60% of his 3-point attempts.”
LeVert’s absurd shooting splits in the clutch simply underscore the importance of his role with Atlanta. Despite a quick turnaround from three years in Cleveland to becoming a Hawk, LeVert quickly adapted and displayed instant chemistry with his new teammates.
In Atlanta’s season-ending play-in loss to the Heat, LeVert was one of two Hawks with a positive plus-minus. The microwave-scorer sixth man dropped 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists against Miami, logging 37 minutes off the bench.
The Hawks would be wise to keep Caris LeVert around
The Hawks will be hard-pressed to find a suitable replacement for LeVert and his mind-boggling crunch-time efficiency. The team also played with more connectivity and chemistry with LeVert in the mix. Atlanta general manager Onsi Saleh should do everything in his power to bring him back for next season.
LeVert has also expressed mutual interest in returning to the Hawks, already revealing his desire to resign with Atlanta back in March.
“I love this situation that I’m in right now. I love this team,” LeVert told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. “Like I always tell them, I’d love to re-sign here … It’s definitely something I’d want.”
LeVert also received major praise from Ice Trae and Quin Snyder during his short stint with ATL. Both LeVert’s head coach and All-Star teammate spoke with Scotto about his impact as a second-unit star.
“Caris has brought a big impact for us. He’s a great player and a smart player who brings a lot of scoring,” Young said. “Anytime you can add a guy who’s been in the league for a long time and who knows the little things that matter in NBA games, that’s important to have.”
Meanwhile, Snyder shouted out LeVert’s underappreciated efficiency and ability to relieve Young of some playmaking and scoring duties. Atlanta’s secondary ball handler will hit free agency at the end of June, but the Hawks will hopefully make the wise choice and keep him around.
LeVert’s clear desire to stay with the Hawks showed in his on-court production as he posted career-highs in field goal percentage and true shooting percentage (58.3%). He also posted more points per game than he ever did with the Cavaliers.
Fans should want – and expect – the Hawks to stick to their guns and prioritize keeping LeVert in Atlanta.