Dejounte Murray’s season is officially over after he tore his Achilles in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 118-116 loss to the Boston Celtics. The injury happened in the first quarter when he tried to grab an offensive rebound after missing a shot. He fell to the floor without any contact, immediately grabbing his right Achilles. Moments later, he hobbled off the court, and reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and Chris Haynes confirmed that the injury was season-ending. It’s another setback for Murray, who already missed 17 games earlier due to a broken hand.
Murray played 31 games this season, averaging 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals. His shooting wasn’t great, just 39.3% from the field and 29.9% from three, but he was still a big part of the team’s defense and playmaking. The Pelicans traded for him in the offseason, hoping he would be an important piece, but injuries have derailed his first year in New Orleans.
The Pelicans have been hit hard by injuries all season. Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones have all missed significant time. New Orleans now sits at 12-37, second-to-last in the Western Conference, after being a 49-win playoff team last season, but with so many players out this season, their playoff hopes have completely faded.
What’s Next For The Pelicans And Dejounte Murray?
With Murray out, the Pelicans might make some moves before the trade deadline on February 6. Reports suggest they’re looking to get under the luxury tax, which could mean trading some players. At this point, they might focus more on the future instead of trying to turn this season around.
Murray’s injury is also a long-term concern. Achilles tears usually take at least a year to heal, so he could miss part of next season, too. The Pelicans will monitor his recovery, but losing him is a big setback. With their top players struggling to stay healthy, the team might need to rethink its long-term plans.
Also Read: Why Trading Brandon Ingram Before Deadline Is A Priority For New Orleans Pelicans? Find Out
