The Pelicans announced via a press release (Twitter link) that forward Herbert Jones has suffered a right shoulder strain along with a minor low-grade partial thickness tear in his rotator cuff. The team expects him to be sidelined for at least two to four weeks.
The New Orleans Pelicans also announced that guard CJ McCollum has been diagnosed with a right adductor strain and is projected to be out for about two to three weeks. Both players missed Wednesday’s game against Golden State.
It’s a challenging setback for the Pelicans, who find themselves without three starters and an important reserve just over a week into the 2024/25 season. Dejounte Murray remains sidelined for an additional three to five weeks due to a broken hand, while fourth-year wing Trey Murphy, still recovering from a hamstring strain sustained in training camp, has yet to debut this season and is scheduled for a reevaluation next week.
Selected as the 35th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Jones has proven himself as a valuable role player for the Pelicans, even securing a spot on the All-Defensive First Team in the 2023/24 season. He is signed with the team through the 2026/27 season.
At 33, McCollum stands out as one of the Pelicans’ top shooters and has maintained an average of at least 20 points per game for the past nine seasons. He is set to earn $33.33 million this season, with $30.67 million scheduled for the 2025/26 season.
The Pelicans have faced a string of injuries to essential rotation players in recent seasons, and unfortunately, they’re starting the 2024/25 season in a similar situation. Players like Jordan Hawkins, Jose Alvarado, Javonte Green, Jamal Cain, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Brandon Boston may see increased playing time as a result.
