Rajon Rondo made his season debut for the new orleans Pelicans on Monday after missing the team’s first 13 games after undergoing sports hernia surgery. It was a quick return for Rondo who wasn’t expected to return to action until late this month.
Rondo’s New Orleans Pelicans debut
The 31-year-old Rondo appeared in his first regular season game as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans in Monday’s 106-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks which improved their record to 8-6. He was cleared to play up to six minutes and stayed on the court for a little less than five.
He made his only field goal attempt and finished with two points and two assists.
Rondo spent the 2016-17 season with the Chicago Bulls. He played in 69 games (42 starts) and averaged 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. In the previous season with the Sacramento Kings, he led the NBA averaging 11.7 Assists Per Game.
The four-time All-Star was signed by New Orleans to a one-year deal on July 19. Head coach Alvin Gentry had said that he would share the starting backcourt with Jrue Holiday, and that remains to be seen if that will still be the case. E’Twaun Moore has been getting the starts in the backcourt for the Pelicans, and the team also signed longtime veteran point guard Jameer Nelson on October 22.
The 35-year-old Nelson has played well since signing and will likely push Rondo for minutes.
Batum’s return may send Jeremy Lamb to the bench
According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, Nicolas Batum is scheduled to make his season debut for the Charlotte Hornets this Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers unless a setback occurs.
He suffered a torn ligament in his elbow during the preseason which has forced him out of game action.
Now in his third season with Charlotte, the 28-year-old Batum’s return should provide a nice spark to the 5-7 Hornets. He played in 77 games (77 starts) last season posting per game averages of 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.1 steals.
His scoring and assist averages were both career-highs for the ten-year pro.
Jeremy Lamb started the first 12 games in his place at shooting guard for the Hornets. He is easily enjoying his best season so far as he is averaging 16.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. If head coach Steve Clifford decides to go in another direction, he could send either Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Marvin Williams to the bench and start Batum at small forward.
