Ex-All-Star Guard Set to Make Season Debut After Achilles Tear

February 23, 2026


It hasn't been the best of seasons for the New Orleans Pelicans. At 16-42, they own the third-worst record in the NBA. But that envious tanking spot could be in jeopardy as they welcome back to the lineup for the first time this season, an All-Star caliber guard in Dejounte Murray.

Murray will make his season debut on Tuesday night after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered 13 months ago. 

In 31 games before he went down last season, he averaged 17.5 points per game, 7.4 assists, 6.5 boards & 2.0 steals. Prior to that, he'd averaged 20+ points for three straight seasons, starting with an All-Star year in 2021-22 while with the San Antonio Spurs. 

With the Pels buried near the bottom of the standings, it would have been easy for Murray (and the team) to just say, in effect, 'let's wait until next season' for a return and not risk a re-injury. But Murray says he's just not that kinda guy.

“I'm not one of those guys like, I'm paid, I could get an extra 6-7 months, or our team is 14th in the West. There are a lot of excuses for a chump to say 'I'm not playing'. I am the opposite of that... I want to represent New Orleans.” 

Of course, the other side of that is that this could be a showcase for the Pels and Murray to find him a new home this summer. The Pelicans don’t own their own pick in the June NBA Draft, and they'll need to show he's back and able to play close to his old level in order him to trade him in time for the Draft at the end of June.

He has two more seasons left on his contract, at $32.7M next year, and a player option for $30.7M in 2027-28. 

Photo: © Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

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