Pacers news: Caris LeVert expected to undergo surgery

Pacers guard Caris LeVert will undergo surgery on a mass that was found on his kidney during a physical following his trade from the Nets.

The Indiana Pacers acquired a talented combo guard in Caris LeVert, only to discover he had a mass on his kidney.

Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard appeared on 107.5 The Fan to discuss the LeVert acquisition and the 26-year-old's future outlook. Pritchard said LeVert will likely undergo surgery, but added the team feels more and more “comfortable” with LeVert's status going forward:

“We got comfortable with the medical,” Pritchard said, via Tony East of Forbes Sports. “We are getting more comfortable every single day. He's probably going to have surgery.”

Naturally, the Pacers would not have consummated the deal with the Rockets if medicals revealed something more inhibitive. It would seem this is more of a minor blip on the radar for LeVert and the Pacers, though he is still bound to miss time.

Pritchard was creative in coming to the table during James Harden trade discussions. He was able to flip an expiring contract in Victor Oladipo in exchange for LeVert, who has shown plenty of promise as a combo guard, in addition to a second-round pick.

When healthy, LeVert should slot right into Oladipo's role. The former Michigan star averaged 18.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds through his first 12 games, and was a tremendous asset as a guy who excelled in pick-and-roll and set up his teammates.