By WFAN.com
Caris LeVert's injury isn't as bad as it looked.
Playing Monday night at Minnesota, the Nets guard's leg bent awkwardly when he landed after trying to block a shot in transition. He was taken off the court on a stretcher.
Many feared the budding star would be out of the season, but the Nets said Tuesday that LeVert has been diagnosed with subtalar dislocation of the right foot. No surgery is needed, and he is expected to return this season.
"Fortunately, tests performed this morning revealed that there are no fractures and only moderate ligament damage," Nets team orthopedist Dr. Martin O'Malley said in a statement. "While the optics of this injury may have appeared to be more severe, surgery will not be required. 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."
MORE: Lichtenstein: LeVert Injury Alters Course Of Nets' Season
LeVert, 24, was enjoying a breakout season before the injury. Through 14 contests, he leads the Nets with 18.4 points per game. He's also averaging 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
LeVert was a first-round draft pick in 2016 (20th overall) out of Michigan. He was drafted by the Pacers, but acquired by the Nets in the trade that sent power forward Thaddeus Young to Indiana.





