Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsMonday, August 10, 2026

Ryan Anderson cleared for contact after undergoing neck surgery

Just five months after undergoing a major procedure on his neck, Ryan Anderson has been cleared for contact by doctors.

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sport

New Orleans Pelicans big man Ryan Anderson has been cleared for contact five months after undergoing neck surgery, the sharpshooting veteran announced via Twitter on Thursday.

Anderson underwent a cervical spine procedure in April after colliding with the Boston Celtics' Gerald Wallace during a game in January. At the time of the injury, he needed to be carried off the court on a stretcher, leading to a lengthy delay and concern about his long-term health.

A recovery timetable for Anderson was initially set at four to six months after surgery, and it appears he’s falling right into the middle of that span. With a good deal of time before the season and a full training camp to shake off the rust, Anderson should be able to take the court with his teammates for the season opener in late October.

Anderson appeared in just 22 games with the Pelicans last season, his second with the team. His numbers were as good as ever, with per-game averages of 19.8 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 41 percent on nearly eight three-pointers per contest. If he can stay healthy and replicate that production for New Orleans next season, he’ll be one of the top shooters in the game.

See More:

More in NBA

NBA
The NBA’s 7 worst offseason moves of 2026, rankedThe NBA’s 7 worst offseason moves of 2026, ranked
NBA
Kevin Durant’s criticism of Klay and Draymond feels like another burner account gone badKevin Durant’s criticism of Klay and Draymond feels like another burner account gone bad
NBA

Kevin Durant probably forgot he wasn’t on his burner account when ripping his former Warriors teammates.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
NBA free agent predictions for biggest names still availableNBA free agent predictions for biggest names still available
NBA

Let’s predict the landing spots for the NBA’s top remaining free agents.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year
NBA

These NBA teams are going to be a lot better in the upcoming season than they were last year.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Why LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen BrownWhy LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen Brown
NBA

LeBron James *really* wanted to play with Jaylen Brown

By Ricky O'Donnell