After a long year on the sidelines due to a torn right Achilles tendon, New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is nearing his much-anticipated return. Pelicans coach James Borrego shared during a media session that Murray could be back on the court within the next week.
"He's close. I'd say in the next week, he is back on the floor playing NBA games, which is amazing," Borrego remarked, signaling a significant moment for the team and fans alike.
While Murray's comeback might not completely change the Pelicans' fortunes this season-the team stands at a challenging 15-42 record-his presence addresses a pressing need for consistent guard play. This has been a particular struggle since Jose Alvarado's departure at the trade deadline.
Looking ahead, Jeremiah Fears seems poised to take the starting guard spot, but he's still in the development phase. Add to that the uncertainty surrounding Jordan Poole's role, and Murray's return as a reliable offensive leader becomes crucial.
A Steadying Influence
The Pelicans' woes this season can largely be attributed to inexperience. Their attempts to play fast often result in chaos, while a slower pace leads to stagnation. Murray's return is expected to address these issues, bringing much-needed leadership and stability.
Borrego emphasized Murray's leadership qualities during the same media availability, highlighting his poise and competitive spirit. "Leadership, poise, his voice, his mentality, the competitive spirit...
He is obviously gonna run the club as a point guard and generate offense for us. I am expecting a lot of him...
What I have seen has been very encouraging."
Murray's leadership skills were honed with the Spurs, where he stepped up following the DeRozan-Aldridge era. At just 25, he was trusted to lead a young squad, earning an All-Star nod in the process. The Pelicans are eager to see him bring that same leadership to their youthful roster.
While the specifics of Murray's return-such as his minutes on the court-remain uncertain, his career average of 5.4 assists per game speaks volumes. His ability to facilitate and create opportunities will be a welcome addition to a team that ranks 23rd in assists per game.
Whether he's playing limited minutes or a full game, Murray's impact on winning is undeniable. For a Pelicans team struggling to cultivate winning habits, his return could be the spark they need to build momentum as they close out this season and look ahead to the next.