Caris LeVert Bio
Caris Coleman LeVert is an American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines. LeVert was originally drafted by the Indiana Pacers but was traded to the Brooklyn Nets on draft night. He later played for the Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In February 2025, LeVert was traded to the Atlanta Hawks and in the off-season signed with the Detroit Pistons.
Early Life and Background
Caris Coleman LeVert was born on August 25, 1994, in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in Columbus before moving to Pickerington, Ohio in second grade. LeVert attended Pickerington Central High School, where he played alongside future Ohio State forward Jae’Sean Tate. During his senior year, he led Pickerington Central to a 26-2 record and the 2012 OHSAA Division I state championship.
He was named the 2012 Columbus Dispatch Metro Player of the Year and earned Associated Press All-Ohio Second Team honors. Despite these accomplishments, LeVert was not heavily recruited and took only one official visit to Alabama State before committing to Ohio University in November 2011. When Ohio head coach John Groce departed for Illinois in March 2012, LeVert reconsidered his options and ultimately committed to the University of Michigan instead.
Path to Professional Basketball
LeVert arrived at Michigan weighing just 162 pounds and spent his freshman season behind several players on the depth chart. He did not play in Michigan’s first six games but eventually earned playing time as a perimeter defender. He made his first start on December 29 against Central Michigan, contributing 9 points and 5 assists in a game where three freshmen combined for 48 points.
As a sophomore during the 2013-14 season, LeVert emerged as a key contributor. He posted career highs of 24 points against South Carolina State and Duke. His standout performance included a 20-point, 4-steal game in a win over the third-ranked Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center, marking the highest-ranked team Michigan had ever beaten on the road. He recorded his first double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds against Purdue and finished the season as a Second-team All-Big Ten selection. He underwent foot surgery in May 2014 but returned in time for the following season.
Despite his injury history, LeVert was named First-team All-Big Ten preseason entering his junior year. He was having an outstanding season, leading Michigan in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and minutes before reinjuring his foot in January 2015, which ended his campaign. He returned for his senior year and became just the fourth Michigan player to earn multiple All-Big Ten preseason selections, along with Maurice Taylor, LaVell Blanchard, and Manny Harris.
Caris LeVert Career
Brooklyn Nets (2016-2021)
LeVert was selected 20th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2016 NBA Draft, with his rights later traded to the Brooklyn Nets for Thaddeus Young. He began his NBA career sidelined due to injury recovery from his college foot surgeries. He made his professional debut on December 7, 2016, against the Denver Nuggets, posting 4 rebounds and 3 steals in 9 minutes of play. He became the first Net to post 3 steals in his debut since Chris Childs in 1994.
During the 2017-18 season, with Jeremy Lin injured, LeVert moved into the starting lineup and demonstrated his ability to play multiple positions, including point guard when needed. He posted his first double-double with 21 points and 10 assists against Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder in December 2017. On March 3, 2020, LeVert scored a career-high 51 points against the Boston Celtics, including 37 in the fourth quarter and overtime, leading the Nets to a comeback win. Two games later, he recorded his first career triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists against the San Antonio Spurs.
Indiana Pacers (2021-2022)
In January 2021, LeVert was acquired by the Indiana Pacers as part of a four-team trade sending James Harden to Brooklyn. During his physical with the Pacers, doctors discovered a small mass on his left kidney. He underwent successful surgery in January 2021 to remove the mass, which was confirmed as renal cell carcinoma. He made his Pacers debut in March 2021, recording 13 points and 7 rebounds in a win over the Phoenix Suns.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2022-2025)
LeVert was traded to his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, in February 2022. He made an immediate impact, scoring a season-high 41 points during an overtime win against the Boston Celtics in October 2022. Alongside Donovan Mitchell, who also scored 41 points that night, LeVert became the first Cavaliers pairing to each score 40 or more points in a game since LeBron James and Kyrie Irving accomplished the feat in Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals. In July 2023, LeVert re-signed with Cleveland on a two-year, $32 million contract.
Atlanta Hawks (2025)
In February 2025, LeVert was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. He made a memorable debut with a game-winning buzzer-beater against the Memphis Grizzlies in March. He later posted his season-high 31-point performance against the Philadelphia 76ers in April 2025.
Detroit Pistons (2025-Present)
In July 2025, LeVert signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Detroit Pistons. This signing reunited him with J.B. Bickerstaff, his former head coach from the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeVert made an immediate impact during the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Cleveland, posting a season-high 24 points while demonstrating the scoring and playmaking ability that has defined his career.
Driving Style and Strengths
LeVert has established himself as a versatile wing player capable of scoring at all three levels. His ability to create off the dribble, finish through contact, and make plays for teammates has made him a valuable contributor throughout his career. He has shown the capability to play multiple positions, including point guard when needed, and excels in transition and half-court settings.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, LeVert has demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming injuries. His 51-point performance against the Boston Celtics in March 2020 remains the highest-scoring game of his career. He has recorded multiple 40-point games and has shown the ability to take over games in crucial moments, evidenced by his game-winning shots throughout his career.
Caris LeVert Career Wins
LeVert has built a solid NBA career spanning multiple teams, accumulating significant statistical achievements and memorable performances across eight seasons. His versatility and ability to contribute in various roles have made him a valued player throughout his career.
Professional Career Highlights
Throughout his NBA career, LeVert has established himself as a consistent scorer and playmaker. His career-high 51-point game with Brooklyn remains his signature performance. He has posted multiple 40-point games and has demonstrated the ability to take over games in crucial moments. His versatility allows him to contribute as a starter or sixth man, making him a valuable commodity for contending teams.
College Career Achievements
At Michigan, LeVert earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore in 2014. He became the fourth player in Michigan program history to record a triple-double, accomplishing the feat with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against Northern Kentucky during his senior season. He finished his collegiate career with over 1,000 points despite missing significant time due to injuries.
Caris LeVert Family
Family Background
LeVert is the son of Kim and Darryl Wayne LeVert. His mother worked as a first-grade teacher for Columbus City Schools. His father, a graphic designer, died on April 4, 2010, at the age of 46. LeVert has a brother, Darryl Marcus, who is 11 months younger than him and played basketball at Connors State College.
Personal Life
LeVert comes from a musical family as the third cousin of Eddie LeVert, the lead vocalist of the R&B group the O’Jays. Eddie’s sons include Gerald LeVert of LSG and LeVert. LeVert was named after his grandfather, who served as president of the Johnstown, Ohio school board.
2025 Season Performance
Entering his ninth NBA season, LeVert joined the Detroit Pistons on a two-year, $29 million deal in July 2025. This move reunited him with J.B. Bickerstaff after their successful tenure together in Cleveland. LeVert made an immediate impact during the Eastern Conference Semifinals against his former team, recording a season-high 24 points while demonstrating the scoring and playmaking ability that has defined his career.
His performance throughout the season showed the versatility that has made him a valuable two-way player. The Pistons benefited from his experience and ability to create offense, especially in crucial moments. LeVert’s resilience and adaptability continued to serve him well as he transitioned to his fifth NBA franchise, providing leadership and production from the wing position.