Detroit Pistons veteran wing Caris LeVert made his return to the lineup Tuesday night after missing seven games because of vertigo symptoms. He played over 20 minutes during Detroit’s victory over the Denver Nuggets, marking his first appearance since January 19. The Pistons’ player revealed to MLive that his time away was due to vertigo, a condition affecting balance and causing dizziness.
Understanding LeVert’s Vertigo and Its Impact on His Play
LeVert openly described the ongoing challenges he faces with vertigo.
“I’m still kind of going through it,”
he said.
“It’s been a process that’s still going on, but it’s getting better. It’s at a point where I feel like I can still play and I think, from what we’re hearing, it’s good to get the exposure of playing.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, vertigo is an abnormal sensation of movement, often perceived as spinning, even when still. This condition usually stems from inner ear problems and results in dizziness and difficulty maintaining balance. Several former NBA players such as Hall of Famer Pau Gasol, Tyler Hansbrough, and Ante Zizic experienced vertigo symptoms during their careers.
LeVert’s symptoms particularly complicate physical activity involving constant movement and quick head turns inherent in basketball.
“It’s definitely just hard to compete. I think everyday life is fine. Obviously, you have symptoms of it, but when you go out there and you’re turning your head constantly and running up and down, it gets a little difficult,”
he shared.
“But like I said, it’s something that we’re kind of working through right now and hopefully will be resolved soon.”
Coaching Staff’s Approach to LeVert’s Reintegration
Though the specific cause of LeVert’s vertigo has not been disclosed, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasized caution in managing his return. “It’s always about monitoring him,” Bickerstaff stated before the game.
“Guys coming back off of injury or illness, we got to make sure that they’re right and that we’re patient with them so that we can build something for the long term.”
Bickerstaff also reinforced LeVert’s importance to the Pistons’ strategy moving forward, especially as the team navigates the demands of back-to-back games later in the week.
“We expect Caris to be a big part of what we’re doing down the stretch,”
the coach said.
“It’s important that we give him an opportunity and give him the right runway so that he can get there.”
LeVert’s Performance and Role in a Transitioning Pistons Team
During his first game back, LeVert contributed modestly with four points on 2-of-6 shooting, along with three assists, two rebounds, and a steal. Coming off a season riddled with lower-body injuries that sidelined him for 10 of the first 40 games, he currently averages a career-low 7.9 points per game on 43.1% shooting in under 20 minutes per game.
Entering his tenth NBA season, including previous experience under Bickerstaff in Cleveland, LeVert is aware of his role and the trust the coaching staff places in him.
“I know my value in this league. Obviously, J.B. does, too. It’s a big reason why I’m here,”
LeVert said.
“I’m excited for the second half of the season. I’m excited for the playoff run. I think anyone can see we have a huge ceiling and we have a lot of runway for ourselves.”
He added,
“Just the day-to-day of getting better each and every day, finding our potential, maximizing our potential each day is kind of what we’re stuck in right now. Trying not to be complacent and just getting the most out of each day. I’m excited to be a part of it. Like I said, I think my value shows in big games, down the stretch and in playoff games.”
Context of Trade Rumors and Team Movements Amid Season
The Pistons are positioned as active participants at this week’s NBA trade deadline, having recently traded guard Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls. LeVert’s name has surfaced as a potential trade asset in rumored negotiations aimed at adjusting the team’s roster and salary cap.
Despite speculation, Bickerstaff remains committed to including LeVert in Detroit’s plans beyond the trade deadline, emphasizing his long-term value to the team amid ongoing roster changes involving notable players like Anthony Davis and moves impacting the team’s frontline and backcourt.
