Fansided

Pelicans’ guard Frank Jackson will have another foot surgery

By Brian Sampson

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Frank Jackson #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Frank Jackson #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans guard Frank Jackson has suffered a broken right foot. He is  reportedly set to undergo surgery as soon as possible.

The New Orleans Pelicans already lacked reliable backcourt depth. That was before the news of Frank Jackson’s injury broke on Thursday.

Before the injury, however, they had agreed to trade Quincy Pondexter to the Chicago Bulls for a second-round pick. This opened up some salary space for them to address their depth issues.

Jackson had a chance at providing reliable minutes at either of the guard positions. That seem’s unlikely now. Adrian Wojnarowski, of ESPN, reported that the former Duke Blue Devil broke his foot and his set to have surgery:

This will be his second surgery on his right foot in three months, definitely a troublesome trend. Jackson was unable to work out for teams before the draft due to the initial surgery, which stemmed from a stress fracture he played on throughout his freshman year.

We’ve seen players in the past (Joel Embiid) struggle to get healthy after suffering an initial foot injury. It’s important Jackson takes the time to allow his foot to properly heal.

When healthy, the combo guard displayed flashes at Duke of becoming a reliable scorer. Even though he only finished the season averaging 10.9 points per game, he dropped 15 or more 13 times last year. That includes 20 points in the opening round of the ACC tournament against Clemson. His shooting was going to be hugely important off the bench for New Orleans this season.

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At only 19-years-old, Jackson has a long career ahead of him. It’s extremely important for him to get his body right and work his way slowly back to the court. If he can do that, he might provide the Pelicans with a nice midseason boost off the bench.

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