Caris LeVert felt totally healthy when he was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Indiana Pacers last week.
Now, however, LeVert was removed indefinitely after an MRI scan revealed a small mass in his left kidney.
If he had stayed in Brooklyn, who knows when doctors would have found the mass. The exchange – which was part of a larger four-team deal that sent James Harden from Houston Rockets to Brooklyn – may have really saved his life, because as part of it he had to undergo a physical examination of the team. And that physique is what revealed the mass.
“I had no symptoms. I was playing games. I haven’t lost a game this season yet. I was feeling 100% healthy, ”said LeVert on Tuesday, via ESPN. “So, in a way, this exchange definitely showed and revealed what was going on in my body, so I’m definitely looking at it from this side and definitely humble in knowing that this exchange could possibly have saved me in the long run. “
Carris LeVert still waiting for the test results
LeVert had a great start to the season with the Nets. The 26-year-old had an average of 18.5 points and a career record of six assists per game in the first 12 games. He had an average career high of 18.7 points and 4.4 assists for the team last year.
LeVert, which Pacers really selected with overall number 20 in the 2016 draft, signed a $ 52.5 million three-year contract with the Nets ahead of the season.
It is unclear when the former Michigan highlight will be able to dress for the Pacers. LeVert said he is still waiting for the test results and that doctors are still unsure whether the mass is cancerous.
Until they can find a way forward, LeVert said he will have to put basketball aside – however painful it may be.
“For me, the most important thing is to keep my body healthy and make sure I have a long life,” said LeVert, via ESPN. “Before basketball, I think that’s the most important thing, so for me, I’m not looking at that side of things.
“Obviously, I want to play as quickly as possible. I’m a competitor, I love to play. But for me, I think that making sure that I’m healthy is the most important thing. So, with regard to the timeline and everything, we will definitely find out at some point in the future. But now we just don’t have those answers. “
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