Maxwell Lewis’ Nets debut on Jan. 1 didn’t final lengthy or go properly, as he was carried off the ground after only one minute with a fractured left tibia.
It took six weeks and a grueling rehab to earn Wednesday’s encore.
Lewis was lastly lively once more within the Nets’ finale earlier than the All-Star break, logging a 27-second cameo close to the tip of a 100-96 win over Philadelphia at Barclays Middle.
“I’m simply blessed and glad it’s over,” Lewis mentioned. “Now, I get to no less than begin what I used to be beginning when it first occurred on Jan. 1, simply getting again to taking part in and my routine. It’s nice. I’m blessed to be again.”
The Lakers had thought sufficient of Lewis — a 6-fooot-7 ahead — in 2023 to pay the Pacers $4 million to maneuver up seven spots and get him within the second spherical of the draft. He made 34 appearances as a rookie and was largely consigned to the G League this season, however Nets basic supervisor Sean Marks needed the younger wing within the Dorian Finney-Smith deal, taking a flier.
Lewis arrived Dec. 29, however a minute into his New Yr’s Day debut, proper after hitting a 3-pointer, Lewis went down clutching the again of his left knee.
“Once you get damage in that sort of platform, you attempt to not present the individuals and the followers what’s actually occurring. You attempt to simply stroll it off. Nevertheless it was actually arduous. I assumed it was one thing within the ligament. After getting the MRI, it wasn’t as unhealthy as we thought,” Lewis mentioned. “Everybody noticed me as a first-time impression, all emotional. I didn’t actually like that. However they noticed me they usually know I needed to essentially play and be right here with the group. They know I actually care.”
Lewis missed 20 video games over the subsequent six weeks earlier than returning to follow final week and taking part in vs. the 76ers.
“I’ve by no means seen no person come [back] from a damaged leg in a month however shout-out to Max Lew. I do know he’s glad to be again, and glad to see him again. He’s gonna be good after this break,” Trendon Watford mentioned.
“It’s nice,” mentioned Jalen Wilson. “All of us can see it each day, the work he’s been placing in. He’s been in tremendous early, staying late, working, doing rehab, weights, hitting the fitness center. It’s arduous, and all of us see it. We’re all simply tremendous proud.”
Lewis is within the second season of a four-year, $7 million deal. However the latter two seasons are group choices, with simply $100,000 assured on subsequent 12 months’s $2.2 million wage. He’s seeking to make an impression and stick round.
“I like Brooklyn. The meals and the individuals, it’s simply extra [real] right here than LA, in my view. I similar to the climate. New surroundings, new all the things. It’s simply nice for me,” Lewis mentioned. “So it’s all figuring out.”