New Orleans Pelicans: Where is Kira Lewis Jr.?

The New Orleans Pelicans will get their Summer League started tonight, taking on the Portland Trail Blazers in Las Vegas at 9:00 CT.

Most of the talk of the offseason has revolved around the NBA Draft, where the Pelicans grabbed two intriguing players in Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell before things shifted to the Zion Williamson extension, which added to the good vibes around the team.

Of course, the Pels got thrown around in some Kevin Durant rumors, but that seemed to be all media speculation, as New Orleans  is happy with the roster they have.

One guy who has gotten overlooked a bit is Kira Lewis Jr., who is entering his third season after missing almost all of the last one with a serious knee injury. He only got to play in 24 games, and was injured just about the time he started to play well.

It was a lost season for Kira Lewis Jr., and it looks like it might still be some time before we get to see him play, which will make the Pels’ decision on his team option that much more difficult.

New Orleans Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr.’s injury status

Lewis Jr. is not listed on the Pelicans’ Summer League roster, and there hasn’t been much news about his injury other than what he provided himself.

He talked candidly about his rehab process during the Pels’ exit interview back in April, where he revealed that he had just started “running on a treadmill.”

It’s been less than three months since then, so it’s hard to imagine him returning to full-speed action anytime soon, as his knee injury was a serious one that left him unable to walk, much less play basketball.

Lewis Jr. has been largely absent this offseason as he continues his rehab, and there are going to be big question marks around him until we see him play in competitive games, as this is a guy who relies heavily on his speed and agility to make an impact.

With guys like Jose Alvarado and Dyson Daniels (along with two-way guard Jared Harper) battling for minutes, it’s going to be a steep hill for Lewis Jr. to climb and the New Orleans Pelicans may end up having to pass on his team option.