New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is still working to return from an Achilles injury. Coach Borrego emphasizes his impressive progress and hard work, anticipating his comeback soon.
The New Orleans Pelicans have won three straight games, and it is no accident that it comes as the team gets as healthy as it as been all season long. Nearly everyone is already back, but one name remains on the injury report.
Guard Dejounte Murray, the team's third-highest paid player, suffered an Achilles injury last January. That's a tough injury that takes a long time to recover from, and every player's process is a little different.
The last report on when he might actually return came a few months ago, when ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Murray could return shortly after New Year's.
Given that New Year's is less than two weeks away, it felt like an appropriate time to speak with James Borrego about the status of the injured guard.
When speaking to the coach after practice on Friday, no clear answer was given, but things seem to be progressing well.
"I can't say where he is on the schedule, I wish I could be more honest about that. He's doing great is what I can say," said Borrego. "It's impressive how far he's comes, 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."
The coach added that Murray has been "working his tail off" and that the team "can't wait to get him back."
Murray played 31 games before the Pelicans last season before suffering the injury. He averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He seems like he would fit in well with what Borrego has wanted to do with this team.
His hands are active on defense, he can rebound well and he sees the court well for his teammates. He would be one of the better playmakers that they have on the roster.
The 29-year-old has remained active within the team since suffering the injury. Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears has been very complimentary towards Murray's leadership and gives him a ton of credit as a resource.