Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: Dejounte
Pelicans looking to pick up pieces without Dejounte Murray | Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans’ upcoming road trip was going to be difficult even with Dejounte Murray.
A pair of games against the Denver Nuggets on Monday and Wednesday. Then a game at the Sacramento Kings Saturday followed by a trip the following Monday to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the top team in the Western Conference standings.
Now the trip — and what’s left in one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history — becomes even harder to navigate without Murray, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Saturday’s loss to the Boston Celtics. Murray is out for the season.
“It’s extremely difficult when you see a guy who means so much to our team and puts the work in,” said Pelicans’ coach Willie Green. “It’s tough. These are the challenges we’ve been going through pretty much all season.”
Murray will finish the season having played in just 31 games in his initial season in New Orleans. Brandon Ingram has played in just 18 games. Zion Williamson has played in only 13 games. And Herb Jones, just 20.
That’s three of the Pelicans’ four starters who have missed over half the team’s 49 games.
“It sucks, man,” said guard Jose Alvarado. “We’ve been through so many injuries. I haven’t ever seen this in high school or college. I ain’t ever seen it. It’s sad. Unfortunately, it’s us, right?”
After Murray’s injury in the first quarter Friday, the Pelicans continued to battle against last season’s NBA champions. The game wasn’t decided until Boston’s Jayson Tatum hit the game-winner with 0.2 seconds left. Murray’s injury was motivation.
“At the end of the day, this is a game that you love,” said Trey Murphy. “A lot of time you use this game to escape a lot of stuff. It’s like therapy. … I definitely felt like it was on me to play for him and to give my best to not let him down.”
Murphy finished the night with a season-high 40 points. Green would love nothing more than for Murphy to continue putting up the type of numbers he has the last two games when he has averaged 36 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Pelicans are 13 games out of 10th place in the Western Conference standings, so any chance of making the playoffs are bleak. Despite that, Green still expects his team to play hard.
“These guys are resilient and high character,” Green said. “They work at it and they care.”
Sandwiched in the middle of this road trip is Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, which could change the roster even more. But for now, the biggest change is the loss of Murray.
“A tragic injury like that is bigger than basketball,” Alvarado said. “We’ve got to push forward and keep positive energy going.”
After losing out on the opportunity to sign Dejounte Murray, the New Orleans Pelicans are now looking to pick up the pieces and continue building their roster for the upcoming season.Murray, who ultimately decided to re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs, was a top target for the Pelicans in free agency. However, with him off the table, the Pelicans are shifting their focus to other potential acquisitions.
The Pelicans are in need of a reliable point guard to lead their team, and they are exploring their options in the trade market and free agency. They are also looking to add depth to their frontcourt and improve their overall defense.
Despite missing out on Murray, the Pelicans remain optimistic about their chances of building a competitive team for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for updates on their roster moves as they look to pick up the pieces and move forward without Dejounte Murray.
Tags:
- Pelicans NBA news
- Dejounte Murray injury update
- New Orleans Pelicans roster
- NBA trade rumors
- Dejounte Murray trade speculation
- Pelicans without Dejounte Murray
- NBA offseason news
- Pelicans rebuild strategy
- Dejounte Murray trade analysis
- Pelicans draft picks
#Pelicans #pick #pieces #Dejounte #Murray #Pelicans
Pelicans say Dejounte Murray ruptured his Achilles tendon and his season is over
Dejounte Murray’s season is over, with the New Orleans Pelicans confirming Saturday that the standout guard ruptured his right Achilles tendon and now faces a lengthy rehab process.
It’s the latest blow in an injury-dominated season for the Pelicans, who came into the year hoping a star trio of Murray, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram would be able to lead them back to the playoffs.
Those three players were never on the court at the same time this season.
Murray got hurt Friday night in a game against the Boston Celtics, the noncontact injury immediately prompting speculation that he tore his Achilles tendon. Murray had driven into the lane and took a shot, then went to chase after his miss. But he fell to the court and grabbed at the back of his right foot, then hobbled toward the bench.
The Pelicans said an MRI that showed the rupture was performed Friday night. Players and coach Willie Green indicated after the 118-116 loss to the reigning champion Celtics that they already knew Murray had suffered a serious injury even before the diagnosis was announced.
“It sucks, bro,” guard Jose Alvarado said. “That’s my dawg. At the end of the day, we’re human beings and when I saw it, I felt bad for him. I can’t really explain it. It’s something that I knew wasn’t looking good. … He loves this game and I know how much he loves it. It’s unfortunate. And when I’d seen that, I couldn’t put it into words.”
This is the second major leg injury for the 28-year-old Murray in his NBA career. He missed the 2018-19 season when he tore his right ACL, which happened in the preseason before what would have been his third year with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Pelicans (12-37) entered Saturday next-to-last in the Western Conference and well out of the playoff picture. And injuries are among the biggest reasons why this year has gone horribly wrong for New Orleans.
Murray already missed 17 games earlier this season with a broken hand. Williamson has missed 36 games for a variety of reasons, the bulk of those absences because of left hamstring issues. Ingram has missed the Pelicans’ last 25 games with a sprained left ankle.
Herb Jones — one of the league’s best defenders — has missed 29 games with a right shoulder issue. CJ McCollum missed 13 games with an adductor strain. Alvarado missed 23 games with a hamstring issue.
Add it all up, and the season simply never had a chance to get on the track that the Pelicans hoped for. There’s also been lessons learned from off-the-court issues that overshadow anything that happens in basketball, Green said — seemingly referencing the New Year’s Eve truck attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter that killed 14 people, and the plane crashes in Washington and Philadelphia this week that led to 73 more deaths.
“This is NBA difficulty,” Green said. “What we just saw on the news, that’s real-life difficulty. And keeping that in perspective is important. We lose a game in the NBA, we get to wake up tomorrow and get back after it. When you keep life in perspective — and for me, keeping God first and staying steady through challenges — you’re able to overcome them and come out on the other end OK.”
Murray ends his season averaging 17.5 points, 7.4 assists and 6.5 rebounds per game. He’s in the first year of a four-year, $114.2 million contract and was the highest-profile addition to New Orleans’ roster last summer, when he was traded to the Pelicans by Atlanta.
Achilles tendon tears can require a recovery period of up to a year in some cases, and Murray’s rehab is certain to last several months at minimum. That would leave Murray’s availability for the start of next season — opening night is typically in mid-to-late October — in some doubt.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that Dejounte Murray has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season.Murray, who was acquired by the Pelicans in a trade earlier this season, had been a key contributor for the team, averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
This devastating injury comes at a crucial time for the Pelicans as they push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Our thoughts are with Dejounte as he begins his road to recovery. We wish him a speedy and successful rehabilitation process.
Tags:
- Dejounte Murray injury update
- Pelicans news on Dejounte Murray
- Achilles tendon injury update
- Dejounte Murray season-ending injury
- Pelicans injury report on Dejounte Murray
- Dejounte Murray Achilles rupture news
- Pelicans player Dejounte Murray out for season
- Dejounte Murray Achilles injury update
- Pelicans update on Dejounte Murray injury
- Dejounte Murray season-ending Achilles injury.
#Pelicans #Dejounte #Murray #ruptured #Achilles #tendon #season
NBA News: Pels’ Dejounte Murray Reportedly Out for Season with Torn Achilles Injury | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images
New Orleans Pelicans star Dejounte Murray is out for the remainder of the NBA season after suffering a torn Achilles in Friday’s 118-116 loss to the Boston Celtics, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Murray appeared to suffer the non-contact injury while chasing an offensive rebound following his missed shot in the first quarter. He soon limped off the court and was helped back to the locker room before being ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Following the injury, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Pelicans will try to make a trade before the deadline to get under the luxury tax threshold.
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Dejounte Murray suffering a torn Achilles and missing the rest of the season is the latest blow in a brutal season of injuries for the New Orleans Pelicans. With the third-worst record, they’ll try to make a trade to get below the luxury tax threshold by the deadline, sources say <a href=”https://t.co/5iy2DOk1Mt”>pic.twitter.com/5iy2DOk1Mt</a>
The 28-year-old Murray, an All-Star in 2022, entered Friday averaging 17.9 points, 7.6 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals.
This has been a horrible year for New Orleans with multiple players impact by long-term injuries. As a team, the Pelicans entered Friday having played 48 total games. All but four players (Brandon Boston Jr., Yves Missi, Javonte Green, Jeremiah Robertson-Earl) have missed 10 or more contests.
Eight of the team’s top nine scorers have missed 13 or more games. They include Brandon Ingram, who has been out nearly two months with an ankle sprain. Zion Williamson missed 27 games with a hamstring strain. Defensive star Herbert Jones is out indefinitely with a torn labrum.
Understandably, the Pelicans have struggled and now sit 12-37 after their 118-116 home loss to Boston.
New Orleans had high hopes entering this season. The Pels won 49 games and made the playoffs last year, but added Murray via trade from the Atlanta Hawks gave the team optimism for a deeper playoff run.
Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong has in New Orleans, and now Murray has suffered a devastating injury, dealing the Pelicans another massive blow.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been dealt a major blow as starting point guard Dejounte Murray is reportedly out for the season with a torn Achilles injury. The news comes as a devastating blow to the Pelicans, who were hoping to make a playoff push this season.Murray, who was acquired in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs earlier this season, had been a key contributor for the Pelicans, averaging 15.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game.
The loss of Murray will be a significant setback for the Pelicans, who will now have to rely on backup point guards to fill the void left by his absence. The team will need to regroup quickly and find a way to stay competitive in the tough Western Conference.
Fans of the Pelicans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Murray, who was having a breakout season before suffering the injury. In the meantime, they will have to rally behind their team and show their support as they navigate through this difficult time. Stay tuned for more updates on Murray’s injury and the Pelicans’ season as it unfolds.
Tags:
NBA news, Dejounte Murray injury update, New Orleans Pelicans, torn Achilles injury, NBA season, NBA scores, NBA highlights, NBA stats, NBA rumors
#NBA #News #Pels #Dejounte #Murray #Reportedly #Season #Torn #Achilles #Injury #News #Scores #Highlights #Stats #RumorsPelicans’ Dejounte Murray out for season with torn Achilles in brutal injury crusher
Dejounte Murray’s season is over.
The former All-Star guard tore his Achilles after suffering a non-contact injury in the first quarter of the Pelicans’ 118-116 loss to the Celtics on Friday night, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
Murray, who missed the 2018-19 season due to a torn ACL, will now be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, which has been a challenging one for the Pelicans, who are 12-37 and have dealt with a slew of injuries.
Murray, who has missed nearly 20 games already this season after breaking his hand on opening night — causing him to miss several weeks — had averaged 17.9 points, 7.6 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals heading into Friday.
Upon suffering the non-contact injury, medical staff immediately rushed to the court, and he was ruled out for the rest of the game immediately thereafter.
Dejounte Murray suffered a torn Achilles against the Celtics. Getty Images “Extremely difficult, when you see a guy that means so much to our team and puts the work in go down like that,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green told reporters after the game.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) reacts after being hurt in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in New Orleans on Jan. 31, 2025. AP “It hurt a lot, l can’t lie to you,” added blossoming wing Trey Murphy III, who scored 40 points and made eight 3-pointers in the loss. “He’s been through a lot already, and it doesn’t help. But a lot of times God puts you through situations in order to give you a bigger message. I think that’s what’s happening right now. It’s not always easy to understand what he’s saying, but there’s always a reason.”
This injury is expected to sideline Murray for at least several months, a significant blow for the Pelicans, as they rely heavily on his dynamic playmaking and defensive presence on the perimeter.
The Pelicans have already been without stars Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram.
CJ McCollum, Jordan Hawkins, Murphy III, Jose Alvarado and others have also missed time for the Pels this year.
Dejounte Murray drives by Celtics wing Jaylen Brown. NBAE via Getty Images After the Pelicans’ early setback to Murray, the Celtics capitalized on the momentum.
Led by star wing Jayson Tatum, who drilled a game-winner in the waning seconds, Boston rallied through the contest.
The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a devastating blow as star point guard Dejounte Murray has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles. The injury occurred during a routine practice session, leaving fans and teammates devastated.Murray, who was having a career year, averaging 20 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds per game, was a key player for the Pelicans and his absence will surely be felt on the court. The team was hoping to make a deep playoff run this season, but now their chances have taken a major hit.
Head coach Stan Van Gundy expressed his disappointment over the injury, stating, “Dejounte was a huge part of our team and losing him for the rest of the season is a tough pill to swallow. We will have to rally together as a team and find a way to overcome this setback.”
Fans took to social media to express their support for Murray, wishing him a speedy recovery and noting that he will be sorely missed on the court. The Pelicans will need to regroup and find a way to fill the void left by Murray’s absence if they hope to salvage their season.
It’s a brutal injury crusher for the Pelicans, but they will have to find a way to push forward without one of their best players. Our thoughts are with Dejounte Murray as he begins his road to recovery.
Tags:
- Pelicans news
- Dejounte Murray injury update
- Achilles injury
- New Orleans Pelicans update
- NBA injury news
- Dejounte Murray update
- Pelicans player injury
- Torn Achilles injury update
- Pelicans Dejounte Murray injury
- NBA injury report
#Pelicans #Dejounte #Murray #season #torn #Achilles #brutal #injury #crusher
Dejounte Murray ruptures Achilles tendon in Pelicans loss
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray suffered a season-ending ruptured right Achilles tendon during Friday night’s 118-116 loss to the Boston Celtics.
Murray drove into the lane and took a shot, then chased his miss. But he fell to the court and grabbed at the area near his right foot. When he got up, he hobbled toward the Pelicans bench.
He was quickly ruled out with what the team said was an injury to his lower right leg.
“Extremely difficult, when you see a guy that means so much to our team and puts the work in go down like that,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said after the game.
The injury-riddled Pelicans were already playing without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones as they fell to 12-37. Ingram, Williamson and Murray did not share the floor once this season.
“Those are the challenges that we’ve been going through pretty much all season,” Green said.
Murray, who missed 17 games earlier this season with a broken hand, is averaging 17.9 points per game and led the team in assists (7.4) and steals (2.0). He had four straight games with at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, tied for the longest streak of his career and the longest by a Pelicans player since Ingram in 2022.
New Orleans entered Friday averaging 114.0 points in 30 games with Murray this season, which would tie for 13th in the NBA. But in 18 games without him, the Pelicans averaged just 102.4 points, which would be the lowest in the league.
“It hurt a lot, l can’t lie to you,” said Trey Murphy III, who scored 40 points in the loss. “He’s been through a lot already, and it doesn’t help. But a lot of times God puts you through situations in order to give you a bigger message. I think that’s what’s happening right now. It’s not always easy to understand what he’s saying, but there always a reason.”
Information from ESPN Research and The Associated Press was used in this report.
The San Antonio Spurs suffered a devastating blow in their recent loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, as star point guard Dejounte Murray ruptured his Achilles tendon. The injury occurred in the second quarter of the game, and Murray had to be helped off the court by medical staff.Murray had been having a standout season for the Spurs, averaging 17.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. His absence will be a huge loss for the team as they continue to push for a playoff spot.
The Spurs have not yet released a timetable for Murray’s recovery, but Achilles tendon injuries are notoriously difficult to come back from. Our thoughts are with Dejounte Murray as he begins his journey towards recovery.
Tags:
Dejounte Murray injury news, Dejounte Murray Achilles tendon rupture, Spurs player Dejounte Murray injury update, Dejounte Murray injury update, Dejounte Murray latest injury update, San Antonio Spurs Dejounte Murray injury news, Dejounte Murray Achilles injury, Dejounte Murray injury report
#Dejounte #Murray #ruptures #Achilles #tendon #Pelicans #lossIs Dejounte Murray playing vs. Grizzlies? Latest Pelicans injury update
The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Dejounte Murray is on the injury report alongside Yves Missi, with both players listed as probable. Murray is dealing with right elbow bursitis, while Missi is recovering from a non-COVID-related illness. Here’s everything we know about Dejounte Murray’s injury and his playing status vs. the Grizzlies.
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*
Dejounte Murray injury status vs. Grizzlies
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Given Dejounte Murray is probable on the injury report, the assumption is he will be suiting up against the Grizzlies on Friday night. The same would apply to Yves Missi, both players have played a significant role in helping the Pelicans turn things around throughout the month of January.
Related New Orleans Pelicans NewsArticle continues below
This game gives the Pelicans an opportunity to keep their newly found winning ways going. After heading into January with a measly five wins to their name, the Pelicans have gone 7-4 throughout the month and have picked up four wins in a row. This surge has been helped along by Murray who has been a dependable scoring option for the team.
Murray has become a bright spot for the Pelicans in a season that has left a lot to be desired. He recently scored a season-high 30 points in a win over the Dallas Mavericks. Murray is averaging 17.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game while shooting 38.4% from the field. He has had his share of time on the injury report this season.
Murray did play in both of the Pelicans’ previous matchups against the Grizzlies this season. After Friday night’s contest, there is one more matchup between the Grizzlies and Pelicans on the schedule. It is set to take place in New Orleans on March 9.
So, when it comes to the question of if Dejounte Murray is playing tonight vs. the Grizzlies, the answer is probably.
Daniel Locke covers the New Orleans Pelicans and is an Associate Editor for ClutchPoints. Daniel has covered Auburn Athletics for the entirety of his time as a student, focusing on football, men’s basketball, and baseball.
The latest injury update on Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is that he is listed as questionable to play against the Grizzlies. Murray has been dealing with a sore knee and his status for the game is uncertain at this time. Stay tuned for more updates on his availability for the upcoming matchup.
Tags:
Dejounte Murray injury update, Dejounte Murray Grizzlies game status, Dejounte Murray latest injury news, Dejounte Murray Pelicans game update, Dejounte Murray injury report, Dejounte Murray game status vs Grizzlies
#Dejounte #Murray #playing #Grizzlies #Latest #Pelicans #injury #updateDejounte Murray’s night a reminder why Pelicans signed him | Pelicans
Dejounte Murray was finally able to let out some of the emotions he’s kept pent up inside him this season.
He pounded his chest Wednesday night as he made his way back up the Smoothie King Center floor.
He hopped around on one leg, right arm still hanging in the air after burying one of his four 3-pointers.
Murray had been waiting for a moment like this.
So had the New Orleans Pelicans.
This is why the Pelicans brought the veteran guard to New Orleans in the first place.
Closing out games has been a chink in the Pelicans’ armor for a while and Murray was supposed to be the guy to fix it.
Murray scored 13 points over the last six minutes and finished with a season-best 30 points in the 119-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Getting the win was the most important thing, Murray says.
But a close second had to be the joy he had in helping secure the Pelicans’ fifth win in their last eight games. Murray put that joy on display on Wednesday, especially after hitting the 3-pointer.
“I think at those times, I just felt something and it felt good,” Murray said. “It wasn’t even about the shot going in. It was just a moment I let out emotions.”
And for Murray, there have been plenty of emotions to sift through in the first 2½ months of the season.
There was the broken left hand he suffered in the season opening win against the Chicago Bulls on a night he almost recorded a triple double in his Pelicans’ debut. It’s a game he probably shouldn’t have even been playing in. Just days before that, his mom had suffered a stroke. He could’ve chosen to miss the start of the season, but she insisted he didn’t. Then he broke his hand and ended up missing time anyway. Seventeen games.
“I’m trying to get my fun back,” Murray said. “It’s nothing with the team. Just dealing with a lot. It’s been tough for me. I’m a strong person, but at the same time I’m human. I think sometimes I can forget that.”
Murray’s been back for 24 games now. Slowly but surely he’s finding his way on his new team, where the guys in the starting lineup seem to change almost every night.
“New teammates, new environment, new community,” said Pelicans’ head coach Willie Green. “It just took time to be able to get to this point where he feels comfortable and confident. And his teammates have been doing a great job of rallying behind him.”
Murray has strung together three of his best games as a Pelican during this recent stretch. He’s averaging 23.6 points, 7.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds over the past three games. He’s made at least four 3-pointers in each of those games, including a season-best six in the close loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Even more importantly, he’s been better at taking care of the basketball. There was a rough stretch in November when he had back-to-back games with 8 turnovers. He hasn’t had more than two turnovers in any of the past three games.
Green hasn’t been surprised to get this version of Murray. It’s why they traded Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell, Cody Zeller, and two future first-round draft picks to get him.
“That’s just who he is, who he’s been over the course of the last five to seven seasons,” Green said. “It’s good to see him push through. He’s had the hand injury, came back knocking off rust. He’s mentally tough. He’s a leader. It was great to see him put together a game like he did (Wednesday) just to remind everybody of what he’s capable of doing on the basketball court.”
Murray will look to continue that Friday when the Pelicans (10-32) host the Utah Jazz (10-29) in a game between the two teams at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. You can pretty much guarantee Murray will be ready to go. He’s been listed as “questionable” or “probable” on every injury report lately as he deals with right elbow soreness. It’s the same right elbow he left in the air after one of his 3-pointers Wednesday night, soaking in the moment of his best game as a Pelican yet.
“Basketball is my peace,” Murray said. “It’s joy with it. At the end of the day, I’ll continue to push and do my part. … I want the fans to say I work hard. I play hard. And I want the organization to think and feel the same way.”
Just a few weeks into the new season, Dejounte Murray’s performance on the court last night served as a powerful reminder of why the New Orleans Pelicans were so eager to sign him in the offseason. The young point guard showcased his incredible talent and potential, leading the team to a dominating victory.Murray’s stat line was impressive, with a double-double of 23 points and 12 assists, along with several steals and rebounds. His court vision and playmaking ability were on full display, as he orchestrated the offense with precision and found his teammates in all the right spots.
But it wasn’t just Murray’s individual stats that stood out – it was his impact on the entire team. His leadership on the court was evident, as he motivated his teammates and set the tone for the game. His defensive prowess also shone through, as he disrupted the opposing team’s offense and forced turnovers.
Overall, Murray’s night was a perfect example of why the Pelicans were so thrilled to add him to their roster. His combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ make him a valuable asset to the team, and his performance last night only solidified that fact.
As the season progresses, fans can expect to see more standout performances from Dejounte Murray, as he continues to prove himself as a key player for the Pelicans. With him leading the way, the team is poised for success in the upcoming games and beyond.
Tags:
Dejounte Murray, Pelicans, NBA, basketball, signing, performance, highlights, game analysis, player spotlight, New Orleans Pelicans, Dejounte Murray stats, Pelicans roster
#Dejounte #Murrays #night #reminder #Pelicans #signed #Pelicans
The Pelicans are right not to shop Dejounte Murray ahead of trade deadline
The New Orleans Pelicans are a team in disarray. After a horrid start to the 2024-25 NBA season marred by significant injuries to their entire core, the organization has settled on a new direction for their franchise: a complete teardown and reboot of their roster.
The team has reportedly made nearly all of their players available for trade outside of a few designated young prospects that they wish to keep around for the future: Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, rookie phenom Yves Missi, and second-year guard Jordan Hawkins, the last of which is a new inclusion to their list of untouchables.
There’s a marked difference between a player being available in trade talks versus a team actively shopping their athletes though. While New Orleans is listening to offers for the majority of their roster, only a few players are being actively marketed to other teams, namely Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, who originally reported that Zion, BI, and CJ were being shopped by the Pels, made a notable distinction that the team was not looking to move Dejounte Murray, which is the right move at this current juncture.
The Pelicans should not be looking to trade Dejounte Murray this season
Dejounte Murray has played for three different teams in the past three seasons. Two years ago, he was still suiting up for the San Antonio Spurs, his home from the inception of his NBA career. Then, the Atlanta Hawks acquired him in a blockbuster trade that saw them send the Spurs Danilo Gallinari, three first-round picks, and a potential first-round pick swap in 2026 in exchange for DJM and Jock Landale.
Things didn’t work out in Atlanta as they envisioned, as the Hawks with their new star backcourt consisting of Trae Young alongside Murray barely made the Play-In Tournament and were promptly eliminated from the postseason without making the playoffs. Dejounte had a bit of a disappointing season in Atlanta, especially on the defensive end of the court, and his trade stock tanked as a result.
That following summer, the Pelicans were able to trade for him in return for Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Cody Zeller, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round selections, a significantly lesser package compared to what the Hawks had to give up to acquire him in the first place.
Before he could even get started, it appeared that Dejounte’s time in the Big Easy would be coming to an end. In his very first game for the Pels, Murray fractured his left hand and would go on to miss several weeks, forced to watch New Orleans slide to the bottom of the Western Conference standings from the sidelines. Now, with the team looking to rebuild, Murray’s — a 28-year-old borderline All-Star — future is up in the air once again.
It’s only natural that the team would be looking to move on from him considering that he wouldn’t fit the Pelicans’ new timeline after their teardown. However, that doesn’t mean that they need to trade him this season.
So far, Murray’s having his worst season since 2020-21. Over a third of the way into the year, he’s averaging just 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists on just 36 percent shooting from the field and 27 percent marks from deep in 13 games played.
The hope is that his efficiency has been significantly impacted by his injury and the subsequent rehabilitation and that he’ll return to form over time. With just a few weeks until the trade deadline, it would be a tall ask to expect him to regain his All-Star numbers by then. Essentially, Dejounte Murray’s trade stock could be at an all-time low right now.
Rather than move him for the sake of making a deal in return for pennies on the dollar, the Pelicans should exercise patience in this case. He’ll still have two years left on his contract and an additional player option after this season. New Orleans has plenty of time to find a suitable return for him.
Keeping him around could slightly worsen their chances at a top draft pick this summer, but it doesn’t seem like the Pelicans need to worry about that too much considering their current standing and his performance so far. Plus, keeping around an experienced, talented two-way point guard could aid the developments of Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Yves Missi, Jordan Hawkins, and any other young players the Pelicans will look to build around.
The Pelicans made headlines recently when they announced that they would not be shopping Dejounte Murray ahead of the trade deadline. Many fans and analysts were surprised by this decision, as Murray has been one of the team’s most promising young players.However, upon closer inspection, it’s clear that the Pelicans are making the right move by holding onto Murray. Despite a slow start to the season, Murray has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to be a key piece of the team’s future success.
Murray’s defensive prowess, ball-handling skills, and court vision make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and facilitate the Pelicans’ offense make him a crucial piece of their game plan.
Additionally, Murray’s youth and potential for growth make him an attractive long-term investment for the Pelicans. By keeping him on the roster, the team can continue to develop his skills and build around him for the future.
Overall, the Pelicans’ decision to hold onto Dejounte Murray is a smart one. By recognizing his potential and importance to the team, they are setting themselves up for success in the long run.
Tags:
- Dejounte Murray trade rumors
- New Orleans Pelicans trade strategy
- NBA trade deadline updates
- Dejounte Murray future with Pelicans
- NBA trade rumors 2022
- Dejounte Murray trade value
- Pelicans roster changes
- Dejounte Murray contract status
- NBA trade deadline predictions
- Dejounte Murray trade market
#Pelicans #shop #Dejounte #Murray #ahead #trade #deadline
Dejounte Murray is having his worst season ever, what can the Pelicans do?
The New Orleans Pelicans’ season is unraveling, and fans have every right to be frustrated. The Pels reside at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with the league’s second-worst record and have lost eight games in a row. This was not the campaign anyone would have envisioned coming off a 49-win campaign. Optimism was even higher after the Pelicans traded for former All-Star guard Dejounte Murray, but injuries, inconsistency, and chemistry issues have led to a growing sense of uncertainty.
Murray is at the heart of these struggles, and his underwhelming performance has left fans and analysts questioning his fit with this roster. What’s going wrong, and what should the Pelicans do next?
Murray’s Rocky Start
When the Pelicans gave up Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round picks to acquire Murray, expectations soared. But after missing 17 games with a broken hand suffered in the season opener, his return has been anything but smooth.
Since rejoining the lineup on Nov. 27, Murray is averaging 16.5 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game. In most seasons, the Pelicans would welcome that type of production, but Murray’s numbers are marred by inefficiency and career-low metrics. His 27.6% three-point shooting, 36.4% field goal percentage, and 41.0% effective field goal percentage (eFG%) are all personal worsts. So are his career-high 2.4 fouls per game and 3.9 turnovers per game; an unacceptable combination for any lead guard.
His on/off-court stats paint a grim picture, highlighting just how poor Murray’s play has been. The Pelicans are 6.5 points worse per 100 possessions offensively with Murray on the court and 7.1 points worse defensively when he’s out there. Murray, instead of setting the table for his teammates, has taken a lot off of it on both ends of the floor.
The Lineup Problem
Murray’s struggles also show in the team’s lineup efficiency. Over the past five games, the Pelicans’ best offensive three-man groups—like those featuring Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Yves Missi—don’t include Murray at all. Meanwhile, Murray is prominently featured in the worst-performing lineups, particularly in combinations involving Yves Missi and Brandon Boston.
On defense, Murray’s inclusion doesn’t fare much better. Of the Pelicans’ five worst three-man defensive lineups, Murray is part of every single one. His inability to mesh with the roster has created serious concerns about his role and impact on this team.
He hasn’t shown enough evidence of being the leader on the court or in the locker room the franchise needs. Dejounte Murray has played slow, undisciplined basketball, and by the numbers has been the worst starter this season.
Why Trading Murray Isn’t the Solution (Yet)
There’s been speculation that the Pelicans could move Murray before the trade deadline. However, selling low on him would be a massive gamble. Murray’s value has plummeted since the trade, and finding a team willing to match what the Pelicans gave up will be nearly impossible.
Even contenders looking for a guard—like the Los Angeles Lakers—are unlikely to offer significant assets. Reports suggest that teams like the Lakers and Orlando Magic might inquire about his availability, however, it’s doubtful any package would come close to the return the Pelicans initially invested this past summer.
David Griffin and the Pelicans’ front office have to be careful. It’s too early to pull the plug on the Murray experiment. The focus does need to shift to solving the Murray puzzle, and making him fit.
The Path Forward
For the Pelicans, the priority must be figuring out how to get the most out of their talented point guard. His struggles—whether due to the system, his role, or the lingering effects of injury—need to be addressed head-on.
The coaching staff must also find ways to mitigate Murray’s turnovers while unlocking his defensive potential. While his 2.7 combined steals and blocks per game suggest he can still be disruptive, the Pelicans need more consistency on that end of the floor. Opposing guards, like Fred Van Vleet who scored 25 points on Thursday night, have had their way against the Pelicans.
Pelicans fans deserve answers—and results. After years of waiting for the team to turn the corner, this season feels like a massive step backward. While Murray’s struggles are a glaring issue, the problems extend beyond just one player.
The Pelicans need to commit to solving the issues at hand, even if that means enduring growing pains.
Dejounte Murray shouldn’t be a lost cause. He’s an All-Star with a proven track record, and the Pelicans owe it to themselves—and their fans—to see if they can unlock the version of Murray they traded for. Whether that happens will define not just this season but the team’s trajectory moving forward.
For more content, visit HITP Sports on YouTube or HITP Sports online.
READ MORE
- Pelicans return from holiday break to face red-hot Rockets
- Pelicans turnovers lead to 104-93 loss, losing streak extended to six straight
- Reeling Pelicans start 5-game home stand vs. Knicks
- Pelicans extend road losing streak to 14, blasted by Rockets 133-113
- Pelicans look to snap 4-game losing streak against division rival Rockets
- Pelicans roster overhaul looms as team faces injury, trade, contract challenges
- With season in shambles, Pelicans reportedly open to shopping Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram
- Pelicans lose fourth straight, fall to Pacers 119-104
- Late rally not enough, Pelicans drop 111-109 heartbreaker to Kings
- Lost in another disappointing season, Pelicans search for path forward
- Pelicans fail to close in San Antonio, extend road losing streak to 12 with loss to Spurs
- Pelicans get rolled by the Thunder, fall 119-109
- Pelicans look to snap 9-game skid as Suns visit Smoothie King Center
- It’s time the Pelicans pull the plug on the Williamson/Ingram era that never was
- Spiraling Pelicans hope to break losing streak against surging Hawks
- Brandon Ingram joins Klutch Sports, uncertainty surrounds Pelicans’ future
Dejounte Murray, the star guard for the San Antonio Spurs, is currently having his worst season ever. His shooting percentages have plummeted, his turnovers are up, and his overall impact on the court has been lackluster. With the New Orleans Pelicans in desperate need of a point guard to help lead their team, they may see this as an opportunity to make a move for Murray.The Pelicans could offer a trade package that includes some of their young assets and draft picks to entice the Spurs to part ways with Murray. This could give the Pelicans a much-needed boost in the backcourt and help solidify their roster for a playoff push.
Additionally, the Pelicans could look to bring in a veteran point guard to mentor Murray and help him get back on track. This could provide the team with some stability at the position while also giving Murray the support and guidance he needs to turn things around.
Ultimately, the Pelicans have a few options to consider in regards to Dejounte Murray’s struggles. Whether it’s making a trade for him or bringing in a veteran mentor, the Pelicans will need to act quickly to address their point guard situation and maximize their chances of success this season.
Tags:
Dejounte Murray, Pelicans, NBA, basketball, season, struggles, improvement, trade, performance, analysis, statistics, player development
#Dejounte #Murray #worst #season #Pelicans
