In his first game since undergoing surgery to remove a kidney cancer in January, Caris LeVert made his Indiana Pacers debut with 13 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes in Saturday’s victory over Phoenix. Suns with 122-111.
LeVert admitted that he feels “heavy legs” while trying to regain air and conditioning, but said he is satisfied with the results.
“About two months ago, I didn’t even know if I knew I would be ready to play with everything that happened so soon, so I definitely have to be thankful and happy to be back on the field,” LeVert said.
The Pacers tried to make LeVert comfortable, especially emotionally.
He stopped playing in an NBA competition on January 12 as a member of the Brooklyn Nets before moving to Indiana. The small tumor on the left kidney was discovered during a team medical and physical examination before the exchange was completed.
In LeVert’s debut with Phoenix, the Pacers managed to win a two-game winning streak over a six-game winning streak. Twice All-Star Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
Coach Indiana, Nate bjorkgren, said he feels LeVert’s presence was a boost for the team. After the match, when the goalkeeper entered the locker room, his colleagues celebrated his return with loud applause and support.
“Absolutely, he has energized our team, and his level of character is very high,” Bjorkgren said. “He is a good person. He was a great teammate all the time he was away, so our boys were very happy to have him back on the field.
Bjorkgren expects “much more” from LeVert in the future as he continues to adapt to the team.
For his part, LeVert said this was the second time he had played a 5 to 5 game since his attempt.
“We have a tough group. We have wonderful guys on the team and they were all in my ear for the whole game today, right before him,” LeVert said. “I can’t thank these guys enough. The rest of the season will be special. We played a great game as a team,” he concluded.