Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray has torn his proper Achilles tendon, ending his 2024-25 season, in keeping with NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Murray suffered the harm within the first quarter of Friday’s loss to Boston. After driving to the basket and making an attempt a floater, Murray landed awkwardly and fell to the ground with out being hit, grabbing the again of his proper leg, which may be seen on this video hyperlink. On the subsequent stoppage in play, he limped off the court docket and into the locker room.
The Pelicans have but to formally affirm the analysis. Head coach Willie Inexperienced informed reporters after the sport that Murray would bear imaging and the staff would supply an replace after seeing the outcomes, by way of Marc J. Spears of Andscape. Nevertheless, Shams Charania of ESPN has additionally heard that it’s an Achilles tear for the New Orleans guard.
It has been a nightmarish first yr as a Pelican for Murray, who was acquired by the membership in an offseason commerce with Atlanta. As William Guillory of The Athletic notes, the 28-year-old left the staff proper earlier than the beginning of the season when his mom suffered a stroke, then broke his left hand within the first recreation of the common season.
Murray returned after an 18-game absence following his hand fracture, however his capturing share of 39.3% from the sphere by 30 video games coming into Friday was simply a profession low, and the Pelicans — plagued all season by accidents affecting a number of starters and rotation gamers — are off to a 12-37 begin.
Whereas this season is a misplaced trigger in New Orleans, there’s additionally no assure Murray will likely be prepared for the beginning of the 2025-26 marketing campaign, given the everyday restoration timeline for an Achilles tear. He has two extra assured seasons left on his contract after this season, with a participant choice for 2027-28.
With Murray unavailable for the remainder of the season, the Pelicans determine to lean extra closely on CJ McCollum for ball-handling duties, with reserve guard Jose Alvarado additionally taking part in a extra substantial function. Alvarado took Murray’s place within the lineup to open the second half on Friday.
New Orleans gained’t be eligible to use for a disabled participant exception to switch Murray, for the reason that deadline to use for a DPE handed on Jan. 15.
