Pelicans Eye Dejounte Murray’s Return as Momentum Builds
The New Orleans Pelicans are heating up at just the right time, riding a three-game winning streak and finally looking like the team fans were hoping to see all season. Health has been a big part of that equation - for the first time in months, the roster is nearly whole. But there’s still one key piece missing: Dejounte Murray.
Murray, the Pelicans’ third-highest paid player, has been sidelined since January with an Achilles injury - one of the toughest setbacks any player can face. Recovery from that kind of injury isn’t one-size-fits-all.
It demands patience, relentless rehab, and, frankly, a lot of mental toughness. And according to head coach James Borrego, Murray has brought all of that and more.
“I can't say where he is on the schedule, I wish I could be more honest about that,” Borrego said after Friday’s practice. “He's doing great is what I can say.
It's impressive how far he's come, where he's at. He works extremely hard.
We'll have him back soon - how soon, I don't know. We're working through that right now.”
That’s about as optimistic as it gets without putting a firm date on the calendar. With New Year’s just around the corner - and previous reports suggesting Murray could be back shortly after - it’s clear the team is inching closer to getting one of its most versatile guards back in the mix.
Borrego added that Murray has been “working his tail off,” and the team “can’t wait to get him back.” And it’s not hard to see why.
Before the injury last season, Murray gave the Pelicans 31 strong games. He averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game - a stat line that speaks volumes about his two-way impact.
He defended at a high level, rebounded like a wing, and orchestrated the offense with poise. In short, he did a little bit of everything, and did it all well.
That kind of skill set fits snugly into what Borrego has been building. Murray’s defensive instincts, court vision, and ability to push the pace would give the Pelicans another dynamic option in the backcourt. He’s not just a scorer or a passer - he’s a connector, the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.
And even while sidelined, Murray hasn’t checked out. He’s stayed engaged with the team, serving as a mentor and voice in the locker room.
Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears has praised Murray’s leadership, crediting him as a valuable resource during his first season in the league. That presence matters.
For a young team finding its identity, having a veteran like Murray active behind the scenes can be just as important as what happens on the court.
So while there’s still no official return date, all signs point to Murray being close. And when he does step back onto the floor, the Pelicans will be adding a high-IQ, high-impact guard to a team that’s already finding its rhythm. That’s the kind of boost that could turn a midseason surge into something much more serious.