The Indiana Pacers will receive a boost on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns, as rising star guard Caris LeVert is set to make his long-awaited debut.
After undergoing surgery to remove a small mass on his left kidney in late January, guard Caris LeVert will make his Indiana Pacers debut vs. Phoenix on Saturday, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 12, 2021
The Pacers acquired LeVert in the four-team megadeal that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets back in January. When LeVert went in for his physical to complete the trade, a small cancerous mass was revealed on his kidney, requiring surgery that has kept him sidelined.
Two months later, LeVert recovered well ahead of schedule, ramping up on-court work as the first half of the NBA season came to a close with hopes that he would be able to return early in the second half of the season. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski's report confirms that LeVert will be set to take the court for Indiana's second game following the All-Star break.
LeVert has flashed some serious potential in his four seasons in the NBA, as the prolific guard should make an immediate impact for the Pacers as they try and work their way back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
LeVert averaged 18.5 points and 6.0 assists over 12 games with the Nets, including an impressive 43-point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this season. The 26-year-old also has two 20-point double-doubles with assists, showing promise to add another playmaker to Indiana's lineup.
He is in the second season of a three-year, $52.5 million contract that he signed with Brooklyn in the summer of 2019. For the first time in his career, in a new setting, LeVert should have the opportunity to become a full-time starter with the Pacers.
The views on this page do not necessarily represent the views of the NBA or its clubs.