New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday, who was taking time off to be with his wife Lauren, who recently had a brain tumor removed, is set to make his much-anticipated season debut on Friday, November 18. This report comes from ESPN’s Justin Verrier:
Pelicans GM Dell Demps says Jrue Holiday will return to game action Friday vs Portland
— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) November 15, 2016
Holiday will return to practice on Thursday, per Demps. Holiday is said to be fully healthy and in shape.
— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) November 15, 2016
Holiday will not make the trip to Orlando for Wednesday's game, per Demps.
— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) November 15, 2016
26-year-old point guard Tim Frazier has played well in Holiday’s absence, averaging 11.4 points and 7.9 assists per game in 11 starts. However, Holiday — a former All-Star — is clearly the better player. The Pelicans’ 2-9 record is the worst in the Western Conference. This is a team that desperately needs contributions, so the return of their second-best player will be a Godsend. Anthony Davis — who is averaging 30.5 points*, 11.2 rebounds*, 2.9 blocks, and 1.9 steals* per game, has been spectacular, but the team’s nine losses in 11 games prove that he can’t do this by himself. Holiday’s return will provide the brow with some much-needed help.
*=Career-high
Last season for New Orleans, Holiday averaged 16.8 points and six assists in 65 games.
