New Orleans Pelicans

Norris Cole expected to return to lineup in early December

Published Nov. 24, 2015 10:30 a.m. ET

foxsports

Injuries have been the main reason the Pelicans are off to a dismal 3-11 start to the season, but they're finally beginning to see a point where guys will be coming back.

Tyreke Evans could return as soon as Wednesday, and Norris Cole, who's been sidelined all season with an ankle sprain, is making progress and should be back in early December.

Cole posted the best numbers of his career after he came to New Orleans in trade and played for the Pelicans during the second half of the season. He averaged 9.9 points in 24.4 minutes off the bench, while shooting 37.8 percent from three-point distance.

Cole was seen on Saturday after practice going through two-on-two work and doing windsprints afterwards.

But Alvin Gentry said he doesn't expect Cole to return until early December.

Cole sprained his ankle during training camp last month when a player inadvertently stepped on his ankle.

''I've been able to do more, but I'm just working hard and trying to get back out there with the guys,'' Cole said before Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. ''I got to make sure I can be myself.

''A lot of my game is moving laterally, defending and stay in front of guys. I've got be able to go by guys offensively off the dribble and have that quick reaction and confidence to do it.''