Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) drives to the basket, defended by Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

'I Could Beat a Lot of Guys 1v1 Right Now' – New Orleans Pelicans Star Shares Encouraging Recovery Update

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 10:47 AM ET

Dejounte Murray is eager to suit up again for the New Orleans Pelicans this upcoming season. His first year with the team didn’t pan out as planned, as he only played 31 regular season games due to a torn Achilles. He averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.0 steals on 39.3 percent shooting from the field.

Speaking during the team’s recent media day, the New Orleans Pelicans guard detailed his recovery progress.

“I can run ten down and backs in probably 57 seconds. It’s just from all the work. I think I could beat a lot of guys one-on-one right now if I’m just being honest with you,” Murray proclaimed.

Dec 5, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against Phoenix Suns center Mason Plumlee (22) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

“That’s just the confidence, the work I’ve been doing. Six days a week, twice a day. The beauty of it is there’s no rush… everybody’s on board. I’m just having fun,” he added.

New Orleans Pelicans News: Jordan Poole subtly shades former team during media day

Dejounte Murray will get to play with Jordan Poole at some point in the 2025-26 season, and the latter is excited about his new opportunity. Poole didn’t hold back when asked about reuniting with former Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney during media day.

Dec 15, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) loses his balance defending in the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

“I’m super excited, man. I haven’t had a good screen in two years, so it’ll be dope,” Poole said. “Playing with somebody who’s won a championship, obviously you go through a long season and you just build the relationship in terms of just basketball and chemistry.”

“For me personally, it’s a really big pickup just for how I play – I think it’s huge for our team too, for the young guys, for DQ, for Missi, for opening the floor up for guys like Trey and Hawkins, Herb… just our experience. We have a really good group, and I think Troy and Joe did a good job of putting this unit together,” he added.