History of Caris LeVert in Timeline
Caris LeVert is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines, where he was a standout player and helped lead the team to the NCAA championship game in 2013. Despite a successful college career, LeVert has struggled with injuries throughout his NBA career. Drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2016, he was immediately traded to the Brooklyn Nets. After five seasons with the Nets, he was traded back to the Pacers in 2021 as part of the James Harden trade. In 2022, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
1985: Michigan's Last Outright Big Ten Championship
Michigan clinched its first outright Big Ten Conference championship since the 1985-86 season.
August 25, 1994: Caris LeVert was born
Caris LeVert was born on August 25, 1994.
1994: Debut Performance
In 1994, Chris Childs made his debut for the Nets, recording a notable performance with 3 steals.
1998: Last Win at Kohl Center
Before January 18, 2013, the last time Michigan won at the Kohl Center against Wisconsin was in 1998.
February 27, 1999: Michigan's Last Win at Kohl Center
On February 27, 1999, the Michigan Wolverines basketball team defeated Wisconsin at the Kohl Center for the first time since the 1998-99 season.
April 4, 2010: Death of Caris LeVert's Father
Caris LeVert's father, Darryl Wayne LeVert, who worked as a graphic designer, passed away on April 4, 2010, at the age of 46.
November 2011: Initial Commitment to Ohio Bobcats
In November 2011, LeVert committed to playing college basketball for the Ohio Bobcats under coach John Groce.
2011: Michigan Wolverines Basketball Season
The 2011-12 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team were co-champions of the Big Ten Conference. However, they lost several players, including captains Zack Novak and Stu Douglass, to graduation and transfers.
2012: High School Career and State Championship
In 2012, Caris LeVert led Pickerington Central High School to a 26-2 record and the OHSAA Division I state championship. He was named to the Associated Press All-Ohio Second Team and received the Columbus Dispatch Metro Player of the Year award.
2013: Breakthrough Freshman Season at Michigan
During his freshman year at Michigan in 2013, LeVert started to see playing time and earned a spot in the rotation. He contributed to the team's success, including their Final Four run in the NCAA tournament.
2013: Freshman Year at Michigan and NCAA Tournament Run
During his freshman year at the University of Michigan in 2013, LeVert played a key role off the bench for the Wolverines, who reached the championship game of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
2014: Preseason Accolades and Recognition
Before the 2014-15 season, LeVert received numerous preseason accolades and recognition, including being named to several All-American teams and award watch lists.
2014: Notable Performances and Injury
Caris LeVert began his 2014 season with strong performances, including a career-high-tying four steals and his first start at point guard. He achieved a triple-double against Northern Kentucky, becoming the fourth player in Michigan program history to do so. However, he suffered a lower left leg injury later in the season, sidelining him for the final 14 games.
2014: Sophomore Year at Michigan and All-Big Ten Honors
In 2014, during his sophomore year at Michigan, LeVert became a regular starter and earned All-Big Ten honors for his performance.
2015: Preseason Accolades and Recognition
In 2015, Caris LeVert received numerous preseason accolades, including being named an All-Big Ten preseason selection for the second consecutive year, joining an elite group of Wolverines. He was also included in prestigious watchlists such as the Jerry West Award and John R. Wooden Award, recognizing him as one of the top players in college basketball.
2016: NBA Draft and Rookie Season
Caris LeVert was drafted by the Indiana Pacers with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, marking a significant milestone in his career. His draft rights were later traded to the Brooklyn Nets. He made his NBA debut on December 7, 2016, after recovering from a previous injury.
2017: Increased Playing Time and Career Highs
With injuries to key players in the 2017-2018 season, Caris LeVert saw an increase in playing time. He made his first NBA start and achieved career-highs in points and assists, showcasing his development and potential.
March 4, 2018: Career-High Scoring Night
On March 4, 2018, Caris LeVert had a standout performance, scoring a career-high 27 points against the Los Angeles Clippers, despite his team's loss.
October 17, 2018: Strong Start to the Season
Caris LeVert started the 2018-2019 season strong, tying and setting new career-highs in points in the first two games. He continued to be a key player for the Nets, hitting game-winning shots and showcasing his scoring ability.
February 8, 2019: Return from Injury
After missing several weeks due to a leg injury, Caris LeVert returned to action on February 8, 2019. He came off the bench to contribute 11 points in a loss against the Chicago Bulls.
August 26, 2019: Contract Extension with the Nets
On August 26, 2019, Caris LeVert signed a three-year contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets.
January 4, 2020: Return from Injury
On January 4, 2020, LeVert returned to the court after being sidelined by a thumb injury since November 10. He scored 13 points against the Toronto Raptors in his return game.
January 8, 2021: Career-High 7 Three-Pointers
With several key players sidelined, Caris LeVert stepped up on January 8, 2021, sinking a career-best 7 three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He contributed a total of 43 points against the Memphis Grizzlies.
January 16, 2021: Trade to the Indiana Pacers
In a multi-player trade involving four teams, Caris LeVert was traded to the Indiana Pacers on January 16, 2021. This trade also sent James Harden to Brooklyn and Victor Oladipo to Houston.
January 25, 2021: Successful Surgery for Kidney Mass
On January 25, 2021, Caris LeVert underwent a successful surgery to remove a small mass that was detected on his left kidney. It was later confirmed to be renal cell carcinoma, but a full recovery was expected with no further treatment needed. This discovery was a result of the trade physical.
2021: Traded Back to Indiana Pacers
In 2021, LeVert was traded back to the Indiana Pacers as part of the four-team trade involving James Harden.
February 6, 2022: Trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers
On February 6, 2022, Caris LeVert was traded to his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The trade involved Ricky Rubio, multiple future draft picks, including one that later became Ben Sheppard.
October 28, 2022: Season-High 41 Points with Donovan Mitchell
Caris LeVert scored a season-high 41 points in a game against the Boston Celtics on October 28, 2022. His teammate, Donovan Mitchell, also scored 41 points in the same game, marking the first time two Cavaliers players had each scored 40+ points in a game since LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in the 2016 NBA Finals.
2022: Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2022, LeVert was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers mid-season.
July 6, 2023: Re-signs with Cleveland
Caris LeVert re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 6, 2023.
February 28, 2024: Career-High Assists in Regular Season
Although Caris LeVert had previously recorded 15 assists in a 2020 NBA playoff game while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, he achieved a new regular season career-high in assists on February 28, 2024, in a game where Cleveland lost to the Chicago Bulls in double overtime.
