Pelicans Star Dejounte Murray Is Finally Healthy, And Ready For The Playoffs

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is entering Year 11 of his NBA career, but don't expect anything other than a renewed focus from the veteran. His first healthy offseason since his Achilles injury has allowed him to attack his preparation head-on.

"It's great [to go into the season healthy]. Thankful and grateful," said Murray on media day. "Feel great mentally, physically and just ready to rock out." 

Murray is one of the more important players on the team heading into this season, as the team hopes to turn things around and push for the playoffs once again. Adding his presence at point guard, a great defender who has seen it all in his career.

The 30-year-old already helped the team look far better last year in his short stint back from injury. It was 14 games in which he had minute restrictions, staggered minutes, was unable to play in back-to-backs and was just coming off a year-plus-long absence.

"[I just want to] show the world that you can fall and get back up. When you do fall, you've gotta get back up. There's no other option. We should always lift each other up and motivate each other," said Murray. "It may be a bad injury, but it doesn't determine who you are and what you're gonna be."

In his return, Murray posted 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.6 steals per night on 48.4/30.6/86.7 shooting splits. The Pelicans were 8.2 points better per 100 possessions with him on the court, thanks to both the offense and defense taking large steps up.

Murray is expected to open the year in the starting lineup, given that he is a great fit for what Jamahl Mosley wants to accomplish and has more experience than most of the roster. He is their best bet for winning right away.

Still, though, New Orleans also has their point guard of the future behind him in Jeremiah Fears. It hasn't been a competition between the two, though, but rather a mentor/mentee relationship. It's not just Fears, either, as he has been a source of knowledge for many on the team.

"That's just me. Natural leader. I just try to lead by example. And I'm a guy that wants to be a sponge," said Murray, as he's someone that is still learning from others as well.

Murray hosted Fears and a couple of his friends up in Seattle, Murray's home, earlier this offseason to allow the two to get a chance to work together. A great opportunity for Fears to learn from someone who has been through a lot at his position.

"I took them on the water, got to work out. Got them to work my camp, be around my family, friends and it was great," said the veteran.

Murray is ready to do whatever it takes to win. He hasn't been in the postseason since 2023. Before that, he hadn't been since 2018. Another year without a playoff appearance is not an option.

In order to complete that goal, New Orleans will need his defensive effort, his leadership and a return to form from three. 

Murray's last year with the Atlanta Hawks saw him shoot 7.1 attempts from three per game at 36.3%. That would completely transform the Pelicans' offense. Over the last two years, though, that is down to 30.1% on 5.2 attempts.

No matter what, though, New Orleans will be glad to have their veteran guard back.