Caris LeVert, a former first-round pick in his third season, was averaging a team-leading 19 points entering the game. The Nets are actually holding out hope he could return to action later this season
Fans at the Target Center in Minneapolis were left stunned and players shed tears as one of their own suffered a horrific leg injury during an NBA game on Monday night.
Nets guard Caris LeVert sustained what was later diagnosed as a subtalar dislocation of the right foot during the second quarter of Brooklyn’s game against Minnesota on Monday night.
LeVert was racing back to try to block a shot with 3.7 seconds remaining and his leg bent awkwardly when he landed.
He spent several minutes on the court being attended by medical personnel while the crowd at Target Center fell silent. Eventually he was taken off the floor on a stretcher and brought to a local hospital.
LeVert did receive some good news on Tuesday after being evaluated by famed orthopedist Dr. Martin O’Malley, the Nets team doctor. Not only were there no fractures, but O’Malley explained there was only ‘moderate ligament damage’ and surgery will not be required.
‘While the optics of this injury may have appeared to be more severe, surgery will not be required,’ O’Malley said in a statement. ‘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.’
In fact, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that there is hope LeVert could play again this year.
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO
Nets guard Caris LeVert sustained what appeared to be a severe right leg injury during the second quarter of Brooklyn’s game against Minnesota on Monday night and was taken to a hospital
Medical personnel tend to LeVert as he writhes in pain in Minneapolis on Monday
The fans at the Target Center fell silent and players watched in horror as the severity of the injury became apparent
LeVert was racing back to try to block a shot with 3.7 seconds remaining and his leg bent awkwardly when he landed
Immediately after the gruesome injury, Timberwolves players were seen huddling in prayer while Nets players surrounded their injured teammate, who was taken off the court in tears.
‘We didn’t even talk when we came in at halftime,’ LeVert’s teammate Joe Harris said. ‘There was nothing to be said. Guys were crying. It was really that horrific just to see.’
Replays of the gruesome injury were not shown in the arena.
LeVert, a former first-round pick in his third season, was averaging a team-leading 19 points entering the game.
He had 10 points, five rebounds and four assists Monday.
The horrific injury drew widespread sympathy throughout the NBA community.
‘Sight of Caris LeVert’s leg injury in Minnesota shook everyone on court,’ tweeted ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love tweeted: ‘Prayers for Caris LeVert. Hate to see this. Having a hell of a season. Keep strong’
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade tweeted: ‘I HATE injuries! Prayers up for Caris LeVert!’
Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks also tweeted: ‘This guy has been hooping!! its so tough to see that happen… Prayers up for Caris LeVert. Speedy recovery bro!’
‘Sight of Caris LeVert’s leg injury in Minnesota shook everyone on court,’ tweeted ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski
Ryan Ruocco of ESPN tweeted: ‘I’m heartbroken for Caris LeVert’
‘He has rapidly emerged into the cornerstone player of Nets rebuild – and been spectacular this season.
‘He fought foot injuries at U of Michigan. He’s been everything they’ve wanted in a young player.’
Bryan Fonseca, a New York-based reporter, tweeted: ‘In less than one month, Caris LeVert became the star that the organization, it’s fanbase and this city needed.
‘All seemingly taken away with a gruesome leg injury.
‘Details won’t be readily available yet, but you can watch the video at your will.
‘I am sick.’
A journalist who covered LeVert in college tweeted: ‘Caris LeVert is as good and genuine of a dude as you think he is.
‘Terrible, terrible, terrible to see tonight’s injury.
‘This is a man who has perpetually climbed back from circumstances out of his control.’
Bryan Fonseca, a New York-based reporter, tweeted: ‘In less than one month, Caris LeVert became the star that the organization, it’s fanbase and this city needed’
Brendan Quinn, a journalist who covered LeVert in college, tweeted: ‘Caris LeVert is as good and genuine of a dude as you think he is’
Ryan Ruocco of ESPN tweeted: ‘I’m heartbroken for Caris LeVert.’
Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love tweeted: ‘Prayers for Caris LeVert. Hate to see this. Having a hell of a season. Keep strong.’
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade tweeted: ‘I HATE injuries! Prayers up for Caris LeVert!’
Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks also tweeted: ‘This guy has been hooping!! its so tough to see that happen… Prayers up for Caris LeVert. Speedy recovery bro!’