Second-year Pelicans guard Kira Lewis Jr. is out indefinitely after suffering a torn ACL and a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee, the team announced (Twitter link). The injury occurred in Wednesday’s game against Denver and a subsequent MRI confirmed it. A surgery date has not been set.
A torn ACL typically has a recovery timeline of 12 months or more, and considering Lewis suffered a MCL sprain as well, it could be a bit longer than that. The team didn’t say it outright, but Lewis will miss the rest of the 2021/22 season.
The 13th overall pick of the 2020 draft, Lewis is a small, athletic point guard. He was considered a bit of a project coming out of Alabama and he has struggled to translate his athleticism at the NBA level early in his career. In 24 games this season (14.2 MPG), he averaged 5.9 PPG, 1.5 RPG, and 2.0 APG with a .404/.224/.805 shooting line.
It’s a very unfortunate setback for the 20-year-old, who’d been playing better recently. Executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin is known to be high on Lewis and has reportedly pushed for more playing time for him in the past.
The Pelicans exercised their third-year option on Lewis prior to the season, so his salary will be guaranteed through next season.
Backup point guard Tomas Satoransky figures to see more minutes in Lewis’ absence for the Pelicans, who hold a 7-20 record thus far, last in the Western Conference.
So sorry to hear that anybody goes through this. A sprained ankle is one thing or a other injury but ACL tear and out a year really sucks. Hope he keeps a positive outlook and stays with it mentally so he’s stronger on the other side.
He really hasn’t played much. That’s a tough break. He’s young so he should heal well. I remember the Knicks were looking at him.
Get well player …..
Once again, the Pelicans draft a player in the lottery then refuse to play him. Playing the likes of Tomas Satoransky and Garrett Temple over Kira Lewis, when your team is clearly not a contender. Trash organization, has been for years. They reap what they sow!!
I remember when this guy was the shizz of the 2020 draft class. Theone23, I agree 100%. I think the issue is the culture of the NBA where GMs and coaches are walking on eggshells and don’t want to wait 2-3 seasons for players to develop. Unless, you’re the Lakers and Nets, developing young players is the best way to build a team.