Bold statement: a high-impact return is finally on the horizon for Dejounte Murray, and the basketball world is buzzing to see him back on the floor. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a player bounce back from a devastating Achilles tear and quickly reclaim his peak form? That question looms as Murray inches toward his season debut in February.
Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray, who’s been out since January 31, 2025 due to a right Achilles rupture, appears inching closer to game action. He completed full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Rod Walker of NOLA.com, signaling encouraging progress.
"He’s close," interim Pelicans coach James Borrego said after Thursday’s practice. "I’d say in the next week, he’s back on the floor playing NBA games, which is amazing."
Murray joined New Orleans in the 2024 offseason in a trade with Atlanta. His start with the Pelicans hasn’t been easy: he fractured his left hand in the season-opening game of 2024/25, sidelining him for 17 games, and a few months later he suffered the Achilles injury.
Last season, the 29-year-old played 31 games, averaging 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 32.6 minutes per game. However, his shooting efficiency was less than ideal, posting a slash line of .393/.299/.823.
Although Murray will miss Friday’s matchup with Milwaukee, Borrego remains hopeful about the impact he can bring once he makes his season debut.
"I’m expecting a lot from him," Borrego told Walker. "He’s coming off a massive injury, but what I’ve seen has been encouraging. I look forward to watching him."
As Murray navigates a careful return, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if he can recapture his All-Star caliber play and mesh quickly with a Pelicans squad eager for a boost. Do you think a player can regain pre-injury form so quickly, or is a gradual ramp-back the smarter path? Share your thoughts in the comments.
