Fansided

Pierre the Pelican injured in pickup game

By Andrew Melnick

Nov 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; The New Orleans Pelicans mascot Pierre the Pelican and the Pelicans dance team celebrate following a win over the Charlotte Bobcats at New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Bobcats 105-84. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; The New Orleans Pelicans mascot Pierre the Pelican and the Pelicans dance team celebrate following a win over the Charlotte Bobcats at New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Bobcats 105-84. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; The New Orleans Pelicans mascot Pierre the Pelican and the Pelicans dance team celebrate following a win over the Charlotte Bobcats at New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Bobcats 105-84. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; The New Orleans Pelicans mascot Pierre the Pelican and the Pelicans dance team celebrate following a win over the Charlotte Bobcats at New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Bobcats 105-84. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

The New Orleans Pelicans were dealt devastating news on Monday.

No, it has nothing to do with their disappointing 22-28 record, leading scorer Ryan Anderson’s herniated disc, their inability to find a trade to improve immediately or the lack of interest in shooting guard Eric Gordon, who the team is trying to dump.

Their mascot, Pierre the Pelican, was injured in a pickup game with fellow NBA mascots, per an official team press release.

"The story of Pierre’s injury and recovery will air during halftime on Fox Sports New Orleans’ broadcast of the Pelicans’ match-up with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.The injury occurred late in the pickup game as Pierre drove to the basket and was fouled by Grizz on the play. He sustained a broken beak after running into the padded stanchion on the goal.Later today, Pierre will have surgery at Ochsner Medical Center to reconstruct the broken beak. Pelicans Team Physician Dr. Mathew McQueen will perform the surgery.“This will be a rather unconventional surgery for us. I am not sure we have something to compare this to,” said McQueen. “It will be quite complicated and will require the use of some unconventional tools and instruments to reconstruct his beak.”"

Obviously, the Pelicans want to give Pierre, who at times seems quite frightening, a new look.

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