The breakout season for Nets young wing Caris LeVert has taken a major step back after a gruesome leg injury in a 120-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.
After contesting a shot by Josh Okogie, with 3.7 seconds left in the first half, LeVert landed on his right leg, which immediately bent and snapped just above his ankle. Nets players who were visibly upset— with tears in their eyes—quickly surrounded their teammate as a stretcher was brought out to transport LeVert to a local hospital.
Following an evaluation by team Orthopedist Dr. Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery, LeVert was diagnosed with a subtalar dislocation of the right foot.
“Fortunately, tests performed this morning revealed that there are no fractures and only moderate ligament damage,” said Dr. O’Malley. “While the optics of this injury may have appeared to be more severe, surgery will not be required. Caris will begin a period of rehabilitation with the Nets’ performance staff, following which he is expected to return to full strength and resume all basketball activities without any limitations this season.”
A timeline for his return has not been given but updates regarding LeVert’s rehabilitation will be issued as appropriate, according to the team.
The injury is a devastating blow to the Nets (6-8) who have played well behind former Michigan Wolverine.
Entering last nights game LeVert was averaging a team-high 18.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and has undoubtedly been the Nets’ most reliable defender. He was already generating All Star buzz and was an early candidate to win the Most Improved Player Award with his outstanding pla thus far.
“Devastating to the team. He’s such a good kid. … As athletes we’re all human like everybody else. Everybody was down,” said forward Jared Dudley, after the game.
For now the Nets will now look to fourth year guard and former 2nd overall pick D’Angelo Russell to fill in the void LeVerts’ injury has left. Russell who scored 31 points last night hitting 9 three-pointers has had a solid season so far averaging 16.8 points and 5 assists per game. However, at the end of games russell has been pinned to the bench while LeVert runs the teams crunch time offense.
Russell still has unlimited potential to be a top tier point guard in the NBA, but has not shown he is consistent enough to carry the load alone.
With his free agency looming it will be interesting to see how much of a jump he will take this season.
On Wednesdays the team look to recover from the loss of LeVert and their two game losing streak as they return to Brooklyn to face the Miami Heat (5-8).
