The New Orleans Pelicans announced that former Kentucky Wildcats star Darius Miller underwent successful surgery this morning to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon.
There is no current timetable for his return.
This is devastating news for a Kentucky fan favorite. Miller signed a 2 year, $14,250,000 contract with the Pelicans just this summer. However, only $7,250,000 of that money was guaranteed.
That means that New Orleans can cut ties with Miller and only be on the hook for about half of his contract. It also means the sharpshooter would be without a contract after returning from Achilles surgery.
After seeing what’s happened with DeMarcus Cousins, we all know how difficult the rehab and recovery process can be, as well as the ability to get a decent deal afterwards.
Miller averaged career highs in points (8.2), assists (2.1), steals (0.6), and blocks (0.3) per game last season. He also shot 37 percent from three. He’s a career 38% percent shooter from deep, which makes him one of the best three-point shooters in the league.
This news really sucks. Miller had seemed to carve out a nice home in New Orleans, but this could very well change the rest of his career.
Let’s hope for a speedy recovery!