Caris LeVert has continued to ball out for the Indiana Pacers when he's been on the floor in 2021. As a result, his undervalued market, including his an array of Caris LeVert cards, could take a swing in the right direction entering next season.
James Harden going to the Brooklyn Nets remains to be one of the biggest shockers this season. The arrival of the Beard has elevated the Nets from an already top-tier team in the East to favorites to win the title this year. To make this trade possible, Brooklyn chose to let one of its promising players go – Caris LeVert.
Considered as one of the Nets’ foundational pieces during the past few years, LeVert was sent to the Indiana Pacers in a four-team trade early this season. Shortly after, a cancerous mass was found on his kidney, causing him to miss 26 games. The Pacers, meanwhile, steadily declined as the season progressed due to injuries and a widening rift between the players and the coaching staff.
As the regular season winds down, LeVert has managed to play 33 games for his new team, showing flashes of his true potential in the process. We take a look down at three reasons why he can be the biggest steal for card investors when next season starts.
LeVert is an underrated player with so much potential
In a season without Kevin Durant and just 20 games with Kyrie Irving last year, LeVert managed to keep the Brooklyn Nets afloat, especially in the bubble. In 45 games, the shooting guard notched 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals. He was also hitting 45% of his shots from the field and 36% from three, displaying great efficiency whenever he had the ball in his hands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNmG4NG1Uuo
This season, even after being sidelined for 26 games, LeVert has managed to maintain his performance for the Pacers. In 33 games, the five-year veteran is averaging 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals. While his three-point shooting has gone down to 33%, LeVert still remains a potent option on the offensive end of the floor.
If the shooting guard gains more experience with his current squad, he can surpass what Victor Oladipo did for Indiana and be a real two-way threat. This will result in a more prominent role in Indiana, which will trickle down to his value in the card market.
He has a promising future with the Indiana Pacers
Take a look at the Pacers right now and there's little to be excited about. After a season finishing fourth in the East with a 45-28 record, they're now in ninth place after attaining 33 wins and 36 losses so far in 2021. A number of injuries, coupled with an allegedly toxic environment caused by head coach Nate Bjorkgren, have seemingly derailed Indiana's progress this year.
There’s a big chance those factors won’t be around next season. For one, the core of LeVert, Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. Warren, Domantas Sabonis, and Myles Turner is poised to cause some serious damage if they are all healthy next season. There’s a chance Indiana’s front office tweaks its coaching staff with a more credible head coach, along with filling some holes in free agency during the offseason.
If most of these things happen, LeVert will be surrounded with enough talent to succeed in a conducive environment. This will help Indiana to become competitive again, which will bode well for his card stock in the future.
LeVert’s card stock is criminally undervalued
In a draft class dominated by Ben Simmons and Jaylen Brown, it’s easy to overlook someone like LeVert in the card market. Simmons’ PSA 10 Prizm rookie card is worth $310 on eBay while Brown is at $275.
LeVert’s gem mint graded base and silver Prizm rookie card, meanwhile, is priced at $160 and $600, respectively. His PSA 10 base and silver Optic cards are more affordable at $81 and $305. This makes the Pacers’ star a more enticing option than other expensive players from his draft class because of a potential leap and a certain spot in Indiana’s lineup next season.
LeVert has been dealing with mediocre teams and various injuries throughout his career. He has a chance to overcome those two struggles when next season starts. Before that happens, it’s best to hoard his stock in the card market now before they shoot through the roof by then.
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