Michigan Basketball: Pros and Cons for Caris LeVert's NBA Dilemma

On one hand, entering the 2015 NBA draft could be financially beneficial for Michigan's Caris LeVert. On the other, it could be an enormous risk for the junior, who, at the top end, is projected as a late first-rounder in the upcoming draft.

He has until April 26 to decide whether he's sticking around for his senior year with coach John Beilein or if he's taking the early plunge into the pro ranks, which seems to be a recent trend in Ann Arbor. Nik Stauskas, Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr., Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary left early for the NBA, and with exception to Robinson III, each of them were first-round selections.

They're each carving a niche in the Association, too.

The reward trumped the risk for Burke, who is among the top young pros. Leaving early worked out for Stauskas, Hardaway Jr. and McGary, who are gaining momentum in their careers.

In all likelihood, LeVert has taken their success into account and gauged it against his own potential. At 6'7" and 200 pounds, he has the frame for the NBA. But he has broken his left foot twice—and that's an obvious red flag on any draft board.

There are no guarantees for LeVert, the No. 25-ranked pro prospect of 2015, per DraftExpress. He could get it while the getting is good and settle for average pro money, or he could play himself into ping-pong-ball territory, where the cash essentially doubles.

Here's a breakdown of the salaries of a No. 14 pick (the draft lottery is 1-14) vs. those of a No. 25 pick, per Real GM:

Pick	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Qualifying Offers
No. 14	$1,627,600	$1,700,900	$1,774,100	Year 3: 48.1% Year 4: 39.1%
No. 25	$991,000	$1,035,600	$1,080,200	Y3: 80.1% Y4: 46.9%

According to Business Insider, the average NBA career lasts all of 4.8 years. As a rule, players make roughly $25 million during that span. But that figure doesn't factor in agent salaries, taxes and other expenses.

LeVert must carefully weigh his options. Waiting to go pro could either cost millions or add a couple more zeroes to future paychecks.

"I don't think it really makes sense to go early and be drafted in the second round," LeVert said, via Alejandro Zuniga of UMHoops, later adding: "I'll probably have a decision pretty soon."

He also said: "We'd be a really good team if I came back. There's pros and cons both ways."

He's absolutely correct. LeVert has a lot to mull over between now and April 26. There is no wrong answer, as the choice comes down to what's best for LeVert. Michigan fans would love to see him stay another year and gain experience and skill, but sometimes, players have to strike while the iron is hot.

Tough Choices

Beilein's Wolverines will be better next year with LeVert than without LeVert, who isn't the most vocal leader but a leader nonetheless. He's already displayed All-Big Ten abilities, so his potential isn't in question. However, injuries have greatly influenced how some view the one-time unheralded 3-star recruit.

Prior to Jan. 17, the date he broke his left foot for a second time, many projected LeVert as an early-round pick. As a matter of fact, the word "lottery" was floated by analysts. Had he continued his path, the one cut short by an injury versus Northwestern, LeVert would probably be in that discussion today.

But he's not.

That's another reason to stay put in Ann Arbor.

When combined with returning star point guard Derrick Walton Jr., LeVert gives the Wolverines a legitimate shot at competing with the top fourth of the Big Ten. He also increases their likelihood of making the tournament.

And in terms of self, LeVert could dramatically increase his draft stock by playing up to his all-conference, possible All-American potential.

Without LeVert in 2014-15, Michigan stumbled to a 16-16 finish and missed the Big Dance. That probably wouldn't have been the case if LeVert were healthy. Well, we might as well include Walton Jr., too. The Wolverines certainly missed his services during the home stretch.

LeVert and Walton Jr. are covered, so think of the "potential" players, such as freshman forward D.J. Wilson, who was redshirted due to a knee injury, and freshman guards Aubrey Dawkins, a dynamic scorer, and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, a budding defender.

Due to injury and other circumstances beyond control, the Wolverines didn't reach their peak. They will reach their peak next year if the youngsters continue to progress…and if LeVert returns.

The Gamble

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Really, there are a few scenarios that could play out next season for LeVert: 1. He sticks around, makes Michigan much better, improves his game and plays himself into the early first round or NBA lottery, or 2. He stays, re-injures his left foot and misses his window all together, or 3. He returns for another learning year at Michigan—maybe not 16-16, but close, in theory—and regrets doing so.

Making loads of cash in the pros beats struggling in college any day of the week.

NBADraft.net, which is typically on point, projects LeVert as the No. 22 pick of the 2016 draft (Dallas Mavericks), suggesting there wouldn't be much difference between leaving now and later.

According to Real GM, there is less than $200,000 at stake between being No. 22 or No. 25, which could essentially equate to a trivial difference in taxes—no big risk there.

Despite having ample talent, the Wolverines have been treading in a state of flux since the departures of Stauskas, McGary and Robinson III. That's the byproduct of Beilein's system, which consistently prepares student-athletes for high production. He has just one problem, though: The really good ones don't stay for four years, or even three. LeVert could be the poster child of Beilein's four-year experience.

Should LeVert chose to exit college, the Wolverines would fall further in the Big Ten ranks and miss the national tournament in 2016. 

Experience goes a long way in the postseason. 

Without LeVert, the onus would be on the shoulders of Walton Jr. and Spike Albrecht to get the job done. Albrecht, a senior-to-be, just had his left hip surgically repaired at the university's hospital. The next four to five months are his to relax. He also needs attention on his right side.

Albrecht will likely be healthy in time for 2015-16, but there's no harm in being cautious. It's a game of checks and balances. With that said, Beilein may want to aggressively encourage LeVert to stay. Next season's success doesn't hinge on LeVert, but it'd be more likely with him in the mix.

Not only would Michigan mature, but so would LeVert.

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines basketball writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer via press conference, press release or other media availability. Recruiting information comes via 247Sports.