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.

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 around the league for 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.

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