Caris LeVert expected to return this season after gruesome injurry

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.

Players were visibly shaken as LeVert laid on the floor.

Teammate Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was reportedly brought to tears at the sight of the injury.

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.

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.

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 is a devastating injury for LeVert and the Nets. Get well soon, Caris.