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Brooklyn Nets: Caris LeVert Will Return In a ‘Couple Months’

By Tj Porreca

Dec 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) during against the Delaware State Hornets in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) during against the Delaware State Hornets in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert is battling a foot injury, but the first-round pick recently did a wide-ranging interview that included an anecdote about his return.

The Brooklyn Nets, initially without a first-round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, traded into the first round to acquire Michigan standout Caris LeVert from the Indiana Pacers, who selected LeVert with the 20th overall selection.

Nets fans won’t get a look at LeVert when the team opens up Summer League play in Las Vegas, because LeVert is working his way back from a left foot injury. It’s actually the second time LeVert has injured the foot in the past two years, but that hasn’t deterred him from staying determined to get healthy and return to the court.

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LeVert told mLive.com that he, “wasn’t really that surprised” by his eventual selection by the Nets. LeVert was, however, quite relieved. “I was relieved, LeVert said. “I was thankful, and I was just ready to be done with that whole process. It was tough traveling around every day, trying to rehab my foot every day while I’m flying like every other day. Relieved would be the right word.”

The Nets will be relieved once LeVert’s foot heals properly, which would allow him to get on the floor and show the type of ability that he displayed while at Michigan. Along those lines, there still isn’t a set timetable for LeVert’s return, but he said he hopes to return, “within the next couple months.”

The Nets kicked off free agency by adding guard Jeremy Lin, and that is a start. There is obviously still time in free agency, but some top-tier players are already off the board. Of course, many things are on hold until Kevin Durant makes his decision. One domino that will fall after Durant makes a choice will be Jamal Crawford. Crawford would be a nice addition to the Nets, who would bring a proven track record and veteran leadership.

LeVert, in turn, could learn from Crawford as he goes through his rookie year. But at this point that is still a ways off. As the roster sits now, LeVert would be an apprentice to Jeremy Lin, but it’s still possible that the Nets make more moves in the coming days.

Once LeVert is able to play, he’ll bring athleticism and quickness to the Nets. He features a prominent midrange game, and can make threes as well.

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The Nets felt comfortable enough in LeVert’s ability and his medical prognosis to acquire him as their first round pick. In the coming months, he’s expected to join the Nets’ back court that, at this point in time, is still a work-in-progress.