What Signing Sindarius Thornwell Means for the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans: Sindarius Thornwell will not replace Darius Miller

The New Orleans Pelicans also announced that Darius Miller would not be joining the team in Orlando, as he is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles he suffered last summer just after signing a two year contract.

Here’s what VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin had to say to reporters:

"“We are extremely encouraged with the progress Darius has made in his recovery process. The work he has put in both prior to and during these limited mandatory workouts has been remarkable. We look forward to seeing him back at full strength heading into the 2020-21 campaign.”"

Last week, Miller was still hoping to prove himself in Orlando, so this comes as somewhat of a surprise.

This is especially true because only players who are sitting out from coronavirus can be replaced on the roster.

That means Thornwell is not replacing Miller and cannot take his roster spot.

Another interesting part of David Griffin’s statement is the reference to next season. The Pelicans will have to decide whether to sign Miller in the offseason, as his $7 million salary is not fully guaranteed.

Now that Miller is out in Orlando, it seems highly unlikely that the Pelicans would pick up that option, as he has yet to play since signing his new contract and will be coming off a major injury.

It would be surprising if the Pelicans kept Miller given his salary and the risk involved with his injury so this might be the last we hear of Darius Miller.