KEY POINTS

  • Caris LeVert is showing significant progress since undergoing surgery
  • LeVert is traveling with the Indiana Pacers despite being on the injured list
  • The Pacers are doing fine without LeVert in the lineup

Caris LeVert has a lot to be thankful for even though it came at an unusual way.

After years of showing his explosiveness with the Brooklyn Nets, he was the unfortunate casualty included in that celebrated James Harden NBA trade, ending up with the Indiana Pacers.

Initially, it appeared to be a disappointment with the Nets failing to see the potential of the 26-year-old NBA player.

But as most know by now, the real story behind it is that the trade technically saved the Ohio native’s life. This is in reference to him getting diagnosed with liver cancer.

The good news is that has already undergone surgery to remove the mass. He is presumably recovering from it, and most cannot wait to see him back in the NBA.

It appears that he is taking small steps towards that, thanks to a recent update from Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren courtesy of Brian Mahoney of the Associated Press.

LeVert also traveled back to Brooklyn for the first time since the NBA trade. Though he was not in uniform, the 20th overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft went around to greet coaches and other personnel he had worked with from 2016 to 2021.

Though he may be playing for a different team, it remains that LeVert is well-loved and has proven his stock. It may take time for him to fully recover, and the exact date for that is unknown.

Portland's Damian Lillard falls while chasing the ball against Brooklyn's Caris LeVert in the Trail Blazers' 134-133 NBA victory over the Nets
Portland's Damian Lillard falls while chasing the ball against Brooklyn's Caris LeVert in the Trail Blazers' 134-133 NBA victory over the Nets GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / POOL

Regardless, the Pacers have more than enough talent to hold up the fort. They are backstopped by rising stars that include Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, T.J. Warren and Malcolm Brogdon.

As of this writing, the Pacers occupy the No. 6 spot in the Eastern Conference although they are on a four-game losing streak.

Despite that bump, the Pacers are in a good position to make the most out of the 2020-21 NBA season.

However, they may need to push themselves more considering they are in a stacked conference with souped-up teams that include the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.

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