When the New Orleans Pelicans lost forward Ryan Anderson on January 3rd with a herniated disk in his neck, the feeling was that he’d return at some point in the season. But now John Reid of The Times Picayune is reporting that it’s doubtful Anderson will return before the end of the year.
No one, including Anderson nor the Pelicans team doctors, have ruled the forward out for the season. As it stands now, Anderson is being monitored to see if he needs surgery, but after speaking to reporters last night, it appears the injury is more serious than we all think.
Anderson hinted that he may sit even longer than this season, as he fears the injury may develop into something more serious than just career ending if not handled properly.
"“Obviously, I want to get back as soon as possible, but this is something that if I got hit again, it could be more than just career ending. I want to be careful about it,”"
Anderson made a name for himself as a three-point wizard with the Orlando Magic, and he still has a lot of years left in him should his neck heal. The question is in his neck though and the healing process he’s going to go through. Nothing is certain, but it appears no one is ready to rush Anderson back.