Brooklyn’s brightest young star suffered a devastating ankle injury on Monday.
Caris LeVert suffered an awful ankle injury while attempting a block during the Brooklyn Nets’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. The Target Center fell silent as LeVert was carried off the floor on a stretcher.
The injury is extremely tough to watch, calling to mind Gordon Hayward’s season-ending leg injury in the Celtics’ season opener last year. If you want to see it, click this link.
The Nets, though, announced the injury was a dislocated right foot with no fractures and only moderate ligament damage. Somehow, he is expected to return later this season.
Nets day Caris LeVert has suffered a dislocated right foot with “no fractures and only moderate ligament damage.”
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) November 13, 2018
He will not require surgery. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/YUxGoWnfnN
Players were visibly shaken as LeVert laid on the floor.
Damn pic.twitter.com/jQIgNK49wV
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) November 13, 2018
Teammate Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was reportedly brought to tears at the sight of the injury.
RHJ is crying on the court as he waits for a free throw
— Josh Lloyd (@redrock_bball) November 13, 2018
Joe Harris told ESPN’s Malika Andrews that the locker room mood was somber at halftime and after the match.
“There was really just no words,” Joe Harris said after the game. “We didn’t talk even when we came in at halftime. There was nothing to be said. Guys were crying. It was really that horrific just to see.”
LeVert had 10 points, five rebounds and four assists at the time of the injury, which happened late in the second quarter. He was taken to a local hospital by ambulance for treatment.
Caris LeVert was one of the best stories of the new season
LeVert was in the midst of a breakout campaign for the Nets in his third NBA season. He entered the game averaging 19 points per game, emerging as Brooklyn’s go-to player and earning some early All-Star buzz.
LeVert was taken out of Saturday’s game vs. the Warriors after suffering a second half knee injury, but returned to the lineup against the Wolves. The Nets were off to a 6-7 start, which was the eighth-best record in the Eastern Conference.
NBA stars react
As often happens with serious injuries, the NBA’s star players sent well wishes via Twitter. This includes two players who have suffered some bad, bad leg injuries in recent years.
This guy has been hooping!! its so tough to see that happen... Prayers up for @CarisLeVert Speedy recovery bro!!
— Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) November 13, 2018
God bless you youngin tough road ahead but we’re here to help lift you @CarisLeVert ! You know how to reach me
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) November 13, 2018
This is a devastating injury for LeVert and the Nets. Get well soon, Caris.