Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert is nearing his impending return after participating in nearly every part of practice, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews. LeVert did contact work with some of the Nets’ coaches, though head coach Kenny Atkinson wouldn’t commit to a return date.

The 25-year-old LeVert said he is getting close to a return after missing the last 20 games due to surgery to repair ligaments in his right thumb.

Before going under the knife, LeVert was averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists through nine games in 2019-20, poised to play as part of a tandem with newly-inked star Kyrie Irving, who has yet to be cleared for contact after lasting only two games longer than LeVert before hitting the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

Atkinson isn't anticipating Irving to play in Thursday's game against the New York Knicks, and it could be well likely that he doesn't play until 2020, as the Nets are being utmost careful bringing him back from injury.

LeVert suffered a severe right leg injury in the midst of a groundbreaking 2018-19 season, forced to sit out for 42 games before returning in limited fashion.

The Nets could be a dangerous team once LeVert and Irving return to the court, but they could be a monster once Kevin Durant makes his awaited return from a season-ending Achilles tear. Spencer Dinwiddie has been holding down the fort in place of Irving, storming to a 12-6 record from a 4-7 start to the season.