Indiana Pacers swingman Caris LeVert will make his much-awaited debut with his new team on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
It's not often a trade could be considered life-saving, but in LeVert's case, it may have been. As part of the James Harden trade, LeVert required a medical checkup, and a cancerous mass was discovered on his left kidney. He was successfully operated on in January and has been rehabbing since.
LeVert's speedy recovery and imminent return to the court are much better than anyone could have expected when news of his diagnosis broke. While it was recently reported that the 26-year-old would be back at some point this season, it's great that his return is coming so soon.
Article Continues BelowLeVert will hopefully serve as a spark to a Pacers squad that is currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a 16-19 record. A starting five of Malcolm Brogdon, LeVert, Doug McDermott, Domantas Sabonis, and Myles Turner has a chance to reach the playoffs and put up a good fight. That lineup would have an interesting mix of firepower and some defense.
LeVert has a small sample size this season, but in the 12 games played with the Brooklyn Nets, he averaged 18.5 points, 4.3 boards, 6.0 assists, and 1.1 steals, which is similar to his production last season. LeVert was never known for being the most efficient player, but he can certainly light up a scoreboard. He will feature in a bigger role compared to what he had with the Brooklyn Nets with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.