New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray. Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Former NBA All-Star to make season debut Tuesday

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 3:28 PM ET

Jan. 31, 2025, was the last time that Dejounte Murray dribbled a basketball during an NBA game. That is set to change Tuesday, as Murray is expected to make his season debut with the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to Pelicans team reporter Erin Summers, Murray announced during media availability on Monday that he'd be making his season debut on Tuesday.

"I'm just excited to go get a win. That's the only thing that matters to me," Murray told reporters. New Orleans is scheduled to host the Golden State Warriors.

What is the exact plan for playing time?

With Murray coming off a torn Achilles and New Orleans being one of the worst teams in the NBA, it would be surprising to see Murray not on some sort of minutes restriction.

According to Summers, Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego said that plans for Murray's usage and minutes were still being finalized as of Monday afternoon.

Before his injury last season, Murray was averaging 17.5 points per game but struggling with his shooting. His 29.9 percent mark from three-point range and 39.3 percent mark from the field were both on pace to be career lows.

It may be a challenge for Murray to find his footing with a Pelicans team that is 3-2 over their last five games and has played significantly better since naming Borrego their interim coach.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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