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Pelicans forward Quincy Pondexter confident he will return, but timetable uncertain

New Orleans forward Quincy Pondexter has always been one of the NBA’s most thoughtful players in interviews, able to deftly discuss a wide range of on- and off-court topics. But when a local TV reporter wondered if the 28-year-old might be concerned about his long-term future – based on an ongoing 16-month stretch of inactivity due to left knee surgery – Pondexter responded with a vehement two-word response: “Hell no.”

The University of Washington product initially underwent surgery following the 2014-15 season, then needed a second surgery last season. He’s now awaiting being able to rejoin his Pelicans teammates on the court, but the timetable remains unclear.

“The next 2-4 weeks will give us a better understanding of when he’ll be ready to play,” Pelicans GM Dell Demps said. “Best-case scenario for him would be November (to return), but it also could be December or January for him as well… I think he’s going to make it back, seeing him work. I think he’s close. He’s had some ups and downs. Ultimately, he had to have a second surgery. Just knowing his character and his mindset, I’m betting on him returning.”

Like during his Media Day press conference, Pondexter remains adamant that he will be back in uniform. He’s just not sure of the exact timeframe.

“I will come back,” the 6-foot-6, 225-pounder said. “We don’t have the definite dates right now, but I will be in the fold and playing like myself.”

The Pelicans would be ecstatic to see that, because they missed Pondexter significantly while going 30-52 last season. In 2014-15, after New Orleans acquired him from Memphis via trade, the Pelicans were 27-18 in the final 45 games of the season he played. That allowed them to overcome an 18-19 start without Pondexter and reach the ’15 playoffs.

Always an engaging personality, Pondexter is a daily presence at the club’s Metairie practice facility, using some of the time to mentor young players, even if he won’t be in uniform soon. He wants to eventually put 2015-16 in the rearview mirror, a season that also was the first time his NBA team didn’t qualify for the postseason.

“Hopefully being back without a hiccup, people will forget about this last year that I’ve been hurt,” the Fresno native said. “But it’s been extremely difficult. To say I’m not disappointed would be a lie, because I want to be out there with my teammates. Even if I had no legs, I want to be out there with my teammates… I love the game so much. I want to be out there with the team that pays me and takes care of me.

“I’m making a great living, so I’ve got to give back as much as I can. Even if I can’t go out there and play with my teammates, I’m going to make sure I give them everything I have, so that (the Pelicans) are going to feel good paying me that check.”

Among the more difficult aspects of Pondexter’s lengthy absence has been the need for extreme patience. One of New Orleans’ most energetic players, he realizes he must take a measured approach to his comeback. When he does return, Pondexter predicted he’ll likely become emotional.

“It’s not like it was one little scope or one surgery. It’s two major surgeries,” Pondexter said of what his left knee has undergone. “It’s been 16 months and it still has to get a lot stronger, for me to play and be able to withstand an NBA season or game. We’re working on it and using all of our resources to make it better. I’m really looking forward to stepping back on that court. (When it happens) I’m probably going to bust out in tears for sure.”

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