In a heartbreaking turn of events for New Orleans Pelicans fans, star guard Dejounte Murray has suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a recent game against the Boston Celtics. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Murray was driving toward the basket, and it is a significant setback for both the player and the team.
What Happened to Dejounte Murray?
On February 1, 2025, during a tightly contested matchup that ended with the Celtics narrowly beating the Pelicans 118-116, Murray ruptured his right Achilles tendon. The injury struck when he made a sharp cut on a drive toward the hoop—one of those plays that seems harmless but can turn serious in an instant. Sadly, adds to the list of injuries that have plagued the Pelicans this season.
The Impact of the Injury
Dejounte Murray’s season is officially over, which means he won’t be able to play in any more games this year. This loss is a big deal, especially considering that Murray was having a solid season with an average of 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game. The Pelicans have been struggling with injuries all season and losing Murray will further complicate their efforts as they sit at a disappointing 12-37 record, far from playoff contention.
What’s Next for Murray?
Murray’s recovery from the torn Achilles tendon is expected to take around 8 to 9 months. This lengthy rehabilitation could also put his availability for the start of the next NBA season in doubt. The Pelicans are deeply concerned, as this is not the first major leg injury Murray has faced; he previously tore his ACL in 2018. He had just returned from a fractured hand that sidelined him for 17 games earlier this season, making this injury even more frustrating for him and the team.
What Does This Mean for the Pelicans?
The loss of a key player like Murray puts the Pelicans in a tough spot as they try to regroup for the remainder of the season. With other stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram also battling injuries, the team will have to rely on its bench and other players to step up and fill the gaps left by their injured stars. Fans are concerned about the future as the Pelicans may need to assess their overall strategy and roster for next season.
Murray’s Contract and Future
Murray is under contract with the Pelicans through the 2027-28 season with a hefty salary of $31.6 million for next season. Despite this unfortunate injury, the Pelicans are not likely to void his contract. Instead, they will continue to focus on recovery and hope that Murray will return better and stronger for the 2025-26 season.
Injuries Throughout the Season
This injury is just the latest in a series of tough breaks for the Pelicans. The team has faced multiple injury challenges this season, which has stopped them from achieving their potential. Missing key players has not only impacted their game performance but has also put a strain on their morale and strategies going forward.
As fans wait for updates on Murray’s recovery process, the focus will shift to how the team can navigate this difficult situation and what changes may need to occur in their lineup to maintain some competitive edge in the rest of the season.