Dejounte Murray Expected To Make Season Debut In February

Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray has been sidelined since January 31, 2025 after rupturing his right Achilles tendon, but he’s close to returning to action. The one-time All-Star went through full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, writes Rod Walker of NOLA.com.

“He’s close,” interim head coach James Borrego said after Thursday’s practice. “I’d say in the next week, he’s back on the floor playing NBA games, which is amazing.”

Murray, whom the Pelicans acquired in the 2024 offseason in a trade with Atlanta, had a tough start to his tenure in New Orleans. He fractured his left hand in the team’s 2024/25 season opener, causing him to miss 17 games, then suffered the torn Achilles a few months later.

The 29-year-old made 31 appearances last season, averaging 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 32.6 minutes per game. He struggled with offensive efficiency, posting an underwhelming .393/.299/.823 shooting slash line.

Murray has been ruled out for Friday’s game vs. Milwaukee, but Borrego is optimistic about what the former All-Defensive guard will bring to the Pelicans when he makes his season debut.

“I’m expecting a lot from him,” Borrego said, per Walker. “He’s coming off a massive injury, but what I’ve seen has been encouraging. I look forward to watching him.”