New Orleans Pelicans forward Quincy Pondexter suffered an infection after surgery on his left knee in January, according to ESPN’s Justin Verrier. It’s the latest setback for the veteran forward who has had three separate procedures done on that knee. He has not played in either of the previous two seasons.
Pondexter’s immediate future is unknown as Pelicans’ general manager Dell Demps showed some signs of doubt in admitting that the Pelicans are hoping to get the 29-year-old back:
“We’re hoping to get him back,” Demps said. “But at the same time, he hasn’t played in two seasons. Can he recover?”
If Pondexter can recover in time for the season, he would be a hugely beneficial piece of reinforcements for the Pelicans. New Orleans is in desperate need for shooters and Pondexter, a career 36.5 percent shooter from deep, can at least be serviceable from that range.
Pondexter still has one year remaining on his contract at just under four million dollars. If his availability for the season is put into question once again, the Pelicans may find it beneficial to use the stretch provision on him. At the very least, it could free up some cap room to add players while attempting to re-sign Jrue Holiday, NOLA’s top priority.
All of that remains to be seen, however. For now, it’s all about Quincy Pondexter and the latest setback in his tough history with injuries.
