Jrue Holiday’s possible return next week means good news for his wife Lauren

Good news continues to roll in for Lauren Holiday. Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier today for The Vertical that the New Orleans Pelicans expect Jrue Holiday, Lauren’s husband and the team's starting point guard, to return to the team next week. That report was confirmed by Pelicans beat writer Justin Verrier for ESPN. Alvin Gentry did not confirm any specific dates for Jrue’s return in his press availability after practice this afternoon.

This is excellent news in regards to the health of Lauren Holiday. While the following paragraphs will focus on the impact on a basketball franchise, it is important to keep Lauren in mind first and foremost. Thank goodness that an MRI revealed the brain tumor and each and every step along the way has gone smoothly for the sake of the entire Holiday family.

According to Wojnarowski’s report, Jrue Holiday is expected to be at practice no later than Tuesday. While the Pelicans play the Orlando Magic the next day, currently it does not appear that New Orleans is expecting Holiday to suit up for the team until Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Holiday has been working out at the University of North Carolina for the past couple weeks according to his personal Twitter account including some highlights working with shot doctor Mike Penberthy and keeping in shape with athletic trainer Mike Guevara. However, Wojnarowski notes that game shape is a far different animal. Might we see Holiday anchor a bench unit for an unspecified period of time until his fitness returns?

If Jrue Holiday does indeed return by Friday against Portland he will have missed a total 12 games. All things considered, it's the best possible outcome for the Holiday family and the New Orleans Pelicans as well.