The New Orleans Pelicans franchise seemed to be playing a game of Oregon Trail. Players were dropping like flies. It seems they’ve come to the end of the road. Eric Gordon, Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson are reportedly healthy.
Demps said Eric Gordon, Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson appear to be healthy. Players have been working out in different parts of country
— Nakia Hogan (@nakiahogan) August 19, 2014
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Unfortunately for the Pelicans, they’re still in the western conference. And unfortunately for Holiday and Anderson, they’re not well known for durability. They played a combined 56 games last season. The good news, however, is that the eldest of the trio is Anderson, who is only 26. If they make a full recovery, then the franchise and fan base has reason to be hopeful.
Then again, Anderson could easily be labelled injury prone. He’s missed 16 games or more in every season except 2012-13, when he played 81 games (subscription content).
If the Pelicans have any hope of making the playoffs, it will require that Monty Williams finds a way to manage the three in a way that prevents injuries. If injuries can’t be prevented, then perhaps he can find a way to maximize their health late in the season.
Otherwise it will be the Anthony Davis show all season long — which, admittedly, people like watching — but it doesn’t make for much competition when the NBA’s west boasts, arguably, the best three teams in the entire NBA.
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