Following non-surgical treatment today to address a sore, inflamed right heel, Pelicans guard J.J. Redick will miss at least one week of game action, according to an Associated Press report. New Orleans will re-assess the heel next week and adjust his recovery timeline accordingly.
Redick, currently on an expiring $13MM deal, has been floated as a possible sharpshooting addition to more playoff-ready rosters. With a 15-21 record, the Pelicans are currently the No. 11 seed in the West.
The 36-year-old Redick, who has been moved to a full-time bench role for the first time since the 2012/13 NBA season, is averaging 8.7 PPG on 40.7% field goal shooting and 36.4% shooting from long range this season.
The AP’s report goes on to note that the loss of Redick, a key reserve for the Pelicans this season, will yield more minutes for young guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis Jr.
“Hopefully, they make good, smart plays, take good shots — not any added pressure on them,” New Orleans head coach Stan Van Gundy said of the players’ increased workload. “They’re just going to get opportunities.”
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