The New Orleans Pelicans started their season facing an uphill battle. They started their campaign without Tyreke Evans and Quincy Pondexter due to injuries and Jrue Holiday due to a personal family matter with his wife. Beyond that, the Pels began the season without Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon after they departed to the Houston Rockets. They didn’t make any big splashes during free agency but one player they took a big chance on was Lance Stephenson.
He came on to the team as a late signee and his chances of making the roster were relatively slim going into the preseason. The squad was in dire need of playmakers and Lance fit that bill. He made the roster in favor of Alonzo Gee and he started to contribute in a bench role.
Unfortunately for the Pels and Stephenson, Lance will miss time due to a groin injury.
The Pelicans made the announcement on Saturday night.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that guard Lance Stephenson has been diagnosed with a groin injury that will require surgery. An MRI performed today confirmed the injury. A timetable for his return will be announced at a later date.
(UPDATE 11/7/16): Lance Stephenson is expected to miss 6-10 weeks after his groin surgery.
Lance Stephenson will miss anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks following his groin surgery tomorrow, according to sources. Necessitated roster move
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) November 7, 2016
The Pelicans started the season 0-6 for the second season in a row but Lance was a bright spot on the team. In six games this season, Stephenson has averaged 9.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game. He also was playing the second most minutes at point guard for the Pels. Things continue to get worse for the Pelicans and their star Anthony Davis.
