Caris LeVert may be close to his debut for the Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers fans have every right to be excited about the eventual debut of Caris LeVert as he recovers from surgery following his trade to Indiana. While the wait has been far too long, it comes with good reason as LeVert had kidney cancer removed in January.

But LeVert is still beloved by Pacers fans who have yet to see him play. His numbers in Brooklyn provide excitement for the future for a slumping Pacers team and his long-awaited return to action might be just around the corner.

Caris LeVert expected to return in the second half for the Indiana Pacers.

The Indiana Pacers went skidding into the All-Star break but now have an extra week off to prepare for what will be a challenging second half. They are not only near the bottom of the Eastern Conference but also have a tough road ahead once they return from the hiatus.

LeVert hinted on Instagram that he will be returning soon and The Athletic published a piece (subscription required) that claimed LeVert is on track to return to the lineup in the second half of the season.

If and when LeVert joins the Pacers on the court, he will bring a much-needed weapon to an offense that goes stale far too often. With Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon forced to carry the load most of the time, the addition of LeVert will free them up and make life a little easier.

LeVert can also take on some of the primary ball-handling duties and allow a bit of a rest in that sense for Brogdon and Sabonis, which could also translate to fewer minutes for them down the final stretch.

The expectations for LeVert should be tame as he is still recovering from a major life-altering surgery, which is the most important part of this entire situation. But his return is massive for the Indiana Pacers, even if it takes him a bit to get his legs under him.

I am stoked to see Caris in this lineup whether he comes off the bench or joins the starting five at some point. This is the first good news for the Pacers in what seems like an eternity.