Jrue Holiday came back to the New Orleans Pelicans lineup after a 5-month absence and immediately helped get things going for his team. The Pelicans are now riding a 3-game win streak and are 5-10 for the season. They have gone 5-2 after they lost their first eight games of the season.
Holiday missed training camp and 12 games of the regular season to attend to his wife, former US Women's Soccer Team star Lauren Holiday, who suffered a benign brain tumor while she was pregnant. Since coming back, he has helped the Pelicans win three games in a row. They beat the Portland Trailblazers by 12 points, survived the Charlotte Hornets in overtime and won by five points, and dismantled the Atlanta Hawks by 18 points.
When the Pelicans lost eight in a row, many had the assumption that all-star Anthony Davis could want out of New Orleans if things don't turn around real soon. However, Davis shook off all rumors that he wants out. He remains optimistic about his team and they continue to play hard despite their injury-depleted roster.
Davis carried a big chunk of the offense while Holiday was out. Davis has tallied monster games this season, including his 50-point performance on opening night. Tim Frazier started in place for Holiday and although he did a decent job running the point, it wasn't enough to get them wins. Teams we're sending two, three, sometimes four players to guard Davis and his teammates weren't able to hit the open shots when he did make the kick out pass.
With Holiday back, the Pelicans now have someone who can create shots for himself and for his teammates. At 6-foot-5, he also adds size the guard position where the Pelicans are currently thin and short.
"He's a big part of what we do," said Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry. "Everyone on the team likes and respect him. It's great to have him back," he added.
The Pelicans are still waiting for the return of Tyreke Evans and Quincy Pondexter. They also might re-sign Lance Stephenson once he gets healthy. If they want to make it to the playoffs, it has to be a team effort. Davis is one of the best players in the league right now and they have to do everything they can to preserve him for the playoffs. Their win against Atlanta is their most impressive thus far this season and if it's any indication of what they're capable of, good things are coming for New Orleans.
