On January 31, 2025, Dejounte Murray's first season with the New Orleans Pelicans ended prematurely when he ruptured his Achilles in an Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. A torn Achilles usually involves an absence of nearly or more than a year, and for the Pelicans guard, it certainly took his time to heal. And the patience with which he carried out his recovery seems to have helped him get back into form.
On Sunday, the Pelicans won 138-118 over the Washington Wizards and Murray has continued his solid play so far in his return. His minutes haven't been so limited either; He played 30 minutes against the Phoenix Suns last Friday, and was out for 24 minutes in the blowout win over the Wizards, and recorded 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals for that contest.
Although Murray has not yet returned to his All-Star form, the fact that he has been so productive for the Pelicans early in his comeback is a source of joy not only for the team, but also for fans of the former All-Star. On Sunday, former NFL safety Ryan Clark were present and praised Murray highly.
Clark said via Pelican Film Room on Twitter
"You know it when you meet a real person.. He's a guy that will inspire other people... It's authenticity. You feel that under his leadership.. That's why I'm here. It's my first game of the season... I wanted to make sure he saw me"
-Ryan Clark on Dejounte Murray pic.twitter.com/1K0uDQrbM1
- Pelican Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) 9 March 2026
Pelicans want to bounce back next season
The 2025-26 season is over long ago for the Pelicans. All that's left for them to do this season is play with pride and maybe screw up the plans of the Atlanta Hawks, who they surrendered in the Derrick Queen swap, by winning as many games as they can.
But when the Pelicans are healthy, they are hoping to dismantle the Western Conference playoff picture.
