“It's good news.”
Those were the first three words from Anthony Davis on Tuesday afternoon, when the three-time All-Star was asked about the coming return to the New Orleans Pelicans of starting point guard Jrue Holiday, as well as the progress being made by Tyreke Evans, who hopes to be available soon.
Positive news has been in short supply for the Pelicans (2-9) during the first three weeks of the regular season, but their fortunes may be turning quickly. In addition to Monday's 106-105 thrilling home win over Boston, New Orleans will move closer to full strength when Holiday makes his season debut, expected to be Friday vs. Portland in the Smoothie King Center. Meanwhile, Evans practiced Tuesday and could return in the near future, though no exact timetable has been set.
“They are two big pieces to our team,” Davis said. “It's good for everybody. It's going to be good to have them back on the floor, and have Jrue being Jrue. It will probably take him a couple games to get back (to form), but as long as he's on the floor.
“They've both made big shots in their careers. They're both not scared to take big shots.”
“Any time you can get a player like Jrue back (it's positive for a team),” Pelicans point guard Tim Frazier said. “I know when he gets back, he's going to give a boost to our team. Everybody's excited for him to be back.”
Pelicans GM Dell Demps and second-year head coach Alvin Gentry said it hasn't been determined yet what Holiday's short-term role will be, in terms of whether he immediately starts or perhaps initially comes off the bench. However, Gentry said from a minute standpoint, Holiday will not be giving a large workload right away.
“That hasn't been determined yet,” Gentry said of how he'll use Holiday, as early as Friday night. “I just know we won't play him 35 minutes the first game back. We have to be smart about it. He's been working out twice a day and is in great shape, but there's a big difference between being in shape and being in basketball shape.”
“It's going to take some time,” Demps said. “You can't simulate actually playing or practicing with the team.”
Evans was seen Tuesday going through a strenuous on-court workout with assistant coaches. He appears to be in excellent condition and has dropped some weight. Demps said the next week-plus will determine when Evans might make his 2016-17 debut.
“He's in great shape,” Demps said. “His weight is down, his body fat is down.”
While Evans has been with his teammates throughout the season, Holiday had been with his wife Lauren, who recently underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor and also gave birth to the couple's first child. Setting aside the basketball aspect of Holiday being back in New Orleans, Demps said the Pelicans are looking forward to seeing the newest member of the family, baby daughter Jrue.
“We love the Holidays,” Demps said. “Everybody can't wait to meet (their daughter). It's just great to get him back in the group.”
