Dejounte Murray injury latest test for Pelicans, head coach Willie Green

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NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans are facing injury challenges right from the start of the 2024-25 season. With key players sidelined, including newly acquired Dejounte Murray and rising star Trey Murphy III, the team must adjust quickly to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Here’s the latest on both injuries and what it means for the Pelicans moving forward.

Dejounte Murray’s Unfortunate Injury

Murray’s first game with the Pelicans was a mixed bag. While the team secured a solid 123-111 win against the Chicago Bulls in their season opener, it came at a cost. Late in the fourth quarter, Murray took a hard fall after a contested three-point attempt, and medical tests later confirmed a fracture in his left hand.

The injury, which happened with just under five minutes remaining in the game, will keep Murray out indefinitely. “We are getting those opinions right now as we speak,” head coach Willie Green said. “We’ll have more information about what those next steps will be. But we know he’ll be out for some time.”

This is a significant setback for New Orleans, especially given the changes they made to acquire him. During the offseason, the Pelicans traded key players like Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels to bring in Murray, betting on a top-heavy roster structure. With fewer reliable role players this season, every absence from a star becomes even more costly.

Murray made an immediate impact before his injury, finishing his debut with 14 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds. His absence will likely push Jose Alvarado into a more prominent role in the backcourt. Alvarado played only 13 minutes against Chicago, but with Murray sidelined, he’ll need to contribute more moving forward.

How Murray’s Absence Affects the Pelicans

Though the loss of Murray complicates things for New Orleans, the team still has experienced playmakers to rely on. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum both stepped up against Chicago, scoring 33 and 23 points, respectively. With Zion Williamson expected back soon after missing the opener due to illness, the Pelicans will look to this trio to keep the offense rolling.

Murray’s absence also simplifies one challenge the Pelicans were bound to face—balancing touches between four high-usage players. The coaching staff will now focus on developing chemistry between Ingram, Williamson, and McCollum without the immediate need to integrate Murray into the mix. However, success will depend on how quickly they adjust, as the Western Conference is packed with playoff-caliber teams.

The Pelicans narrowly avoided missing the postseason last year, finishing seventh and advancing through the play-in tournament. If they want to secure a higher seed this season, they’ll need to stay afloat during these early weeks. With at least 12 teams capable of competing for playoff spots, maintaining momentum despite injuries will be critical.

Positive Progress for Trey Murphy III

In more encouraging news, Trey Murphy III has made good progress in his recovery from a right hamstring strain suffered on October 2nd. The team announced that Murphy has met the initial rehab benchmarks and will now begin the return-to-play conditioning phase. This phase focuses on building endurance and strength while preparing him for the demands of live action.

The Pelicans expect to provide a further update on Murphy’s status in two weeks. This is great news for the team, as Murphy’s versatility and scoring ability will be crucial once he’s back. Last season, the 24-year-old wing averaged 14.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 38% from beyond the arc.

Murphy’s return can’t come soon enough for the Pelicans, especially with the team’s depth already being tested. His ability to play multiple positions will help balance the rotation, giving the Pelicans more flexibility on both offense and defense. Murphy recently signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension, signaling the team’s belief in his long-term value.

Looking Ahead: Navigating the Early Season

The Pelicans are no strangers to dealing with adversity, but this season’s challenges have come earlier than expected. With Williamson set to return soon, the team still has enough firepower to compete in the short term. The hope is that both Murray and Murphy will recover quickly, allowing the Pelicans to hit their stride before the competition heats up in the Western Conference.

The timing of Murray’s injury offers some room to recover, as it happened in the very first game of the season. Once the roster is fully healthy, the Pelicans will have a chance to course-correct and build momentum. However, every game matters in such a competitive conference, so the team must find ways to win while shorthanded.

Final Thoughts

The Pelicans face a crucial test early in the season, with Dejounte Murray sidelined indefinitely and Trey Murphy III still working his way back to full strength. While these setbacks are not ideal, the team has the talent to stay competitive until both players return.

With Murphy progressing well in rehab and Williamson’s absence expected to be short-lived, the Pelicans have reason to remain optimistic. If they can weather this early storm, they’ll still be in good shape to compete for a playoff spot—and perhaps more—in the months ahead.

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