Pelicans reserve swingman Josh Hart has undergone surgery to address a torn UCL in his right thumb, New Orleans announced via a press release. His will be reassessed by the club in three weeks.
The operation was conducted by Dr. Michelle Carlson at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
Hart, a restricted free agent in 2021, has proven himself to be a valuable bench cog on a scrappy New Orleans squad with aspirations of a play-in berth. The 6’5″ wing is averaging 9.2 PPG, a robust 8.0 RPG, and 2.3 APG in 47 contests for the Pelicans, across 28.7 MPG.
The 26-year-old out of Villanova holds a shooting slash line of .439/.326/.775 thus far this season.
Hart is not the only wounded Pelicans guard. Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be out for at least two weeks of game action with an ankle sprain, and Jennifer Hale of Fox Sports tweets that rookie point guard Kira Lewis Jr. will miss tonight’s bout against the Hawks with a right calf strain.
The team recently added guard Isaiah Thomas via a 10-day contract, and he could help address these absences with offensive firepower.
I’m rooting for Isiah. Pelicans (just don’t like name) at 22-28 will be in a battle. For 8th >> 10th seed Grizz, Spurs, Warriors, Pelicans, Kings. All are within 4 gms of 8th seed. With 20 gms left in season. Who steps up and who will pack it in for draft.
The Lakers might be in that same battle for one of those 7-10 spots.
I rather see the at 6th seed. And play Clippers in first rd. That will be fun.