Unfortunately, Tyreke Evans season came to an abrupt end once again. The New Orleans Pelicans guard suffered another season-ending knee injury back in February and the Pelicans injury list was almost as long as their active roster. While Evans recovers from his most recent procedure, there was also a slight complication. There was a blood clot that developed in his calf.
The recent issues that Miami Heat star Chris Bosh is dealing with concerning blood clots of his own makes this a suddenly slightly alarming issue. While Tyreke has been dealing with one issue, another one developing is not ideal when it comes to his recovery from a knee injury. Evans says that his clot quickly disappeared just about two days after it was found and he’s on the path back to a return.
Following from ESPN’s Justin Verrier.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans will not have Tyreke Evans and Quincy Pondexter for the start of the season. Demps said both former starters could be available as early as November, but returns in December or January are more realistic.
Evans, 27, underwent three surgeries on his right knee in the span of nine months and revealed Friday that he also suffered a blood clot in his calf following the most recent procedure, an osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) procedure to replace cartilage in three areas of his knee in February.
Evans said that though the clot was painful, he was given pills by doctors and it went away after two days. Evans said the issue wasn’t a concern moving forward, and that he maintains a good relationship with the organization.
When asked what the last hurdle in his recovery was, Evans said, “Just getting my knee stronger. I’m working out right now and I’m able to put the ball on the floor, moving pretty good. A lot of people say they can’t really tell that I’m hurt, but I just know I need to get a little bit stronger. That’s just rehab with the trainers, getting my quad stronger.”
Thankfully, it appears that nothing serious has followed with the blood clot but it will be something to keep an eye on given the current state of a similar issue that Bosh is dealing with. With Evans getting set to return around December, alongside Quincy Pondexter and Anthony Davis appearing to be ready to roll, the Pelicans might once again make some noise in the Western Conference. Two seasons ago they snuck in as a relatively healthy eight seed in the Western Conference, last year they were sixth worst team in the NBA.
It’s really simple for the Pelicans. If they stay healthy, particularly their oft-injured star in Davis, they might be poised for another playoff run.
