New Orleans Pelicans Injury News: Quincy Pondexter Out for Season After Knee Injury
New Orleans Pelicans guard Quincy Pondexter had to undergo surgery to repair his injured knee back in May, but it looks like he's going to need another one after just nine months, which means he will no longer be available for the rest of the season.
The 27-year-old swing man had a successful surgery early last year, but general manager Dell Demps admitted that his progress was slower than expected. He did try to participate in a team scrimmage back in December, but his doctors did not give him the clearance to play in an actual game. Talking to the Times-Picayune of New Orleans, he couldn't hide his disappointment about the injury. "It's tough not to be out there with my brothers," he said. "It feels like you can't be out there to fight the battles," he added, talking about the fact that he's going to miss the entire season.
Before the announcement of another surgery, he was slated to return shortly after the first arthroscopic surgery on the left knee, but things might have gone in the opposite direction. With his absence, the team may be forced to add another wing player, perhaps on a series of 10-day contracts. Several sources reveal that they might be interested in free agent Elijah Millsap, the brother of Atlanta Hawks star Paul, and D-League standouts, particularly Bryce Dejean-Jones and Orlando Johnson.
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Pondexter is not known as an offensive contributor, but his defense is what the Pelicans will miss the most. He is the team's best perimeter defender and always provides the most effort at the defensive end. He made a name as a member of the defensive-minded Memphis Grizzlies last season, earning a spot in the regular rotation. The six-year veteran averaged 8.9 points and 3.1 rebounds last season for New Orleans, while also shooting a high percentage (43.3%) beyond the arc.
