Skip to content

Jrue Holiday considering another surgery on troublesome right leg

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

If the world is fair, Jrue Holiday will enter the 2015-16 season with a clean bill of health.

The New Orleans Pelicans point guard has dealt with a recurring right leg issue over the past two seasons, with a stress reaction in the lower part of the leg twice putting him on the shelf and limiting him to 74 regular-season games in total.

While he was able to return from a three-month absence in time for the playoffs, Holiday continued to experience soreness in his leg. As a result, he may look to have another surgical procedure this offseason, this time to remove a stabilizing screw in his leg that's no longer necessary.

"I have one screw and I want to get that out but they don't have to," Holiday said. "I don't think (the screw) is necessary anymore. They put the screw in to hold the rod. It's just a little procedure where I'll get the screw out. I just want to get healthy."

While it's unclear whether the screw is part of what causes Holiday issue - he remains at a loss as to why the pain lingers - it sounds as if he'd be more comfortable without it. His plan is to rest for a period to allow the leg to heal further before getting back on the court, and he intends to meet with doctors to fully understand the status of the appendage.

Over the past three seasons, Holiday has averaged 16.2 points, four rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.6 steals. At his best, he can also be a disruptive perimeter defender.  

Holiday has two years and $21.9 million remaining on his contract and figures to be a key piece of next year's core alongside Anthony Davis, with whom he developed a great two-way chemistry this season.

The Pelicans hung tough with Tyreke Evans - also under contract for two more seasons - as the de facto point guard, but their best look entering next season would see Evans on the wing or as a super-sub off the bench and Holiday starting at the point.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox