The New Orleans Pelicans faced another significant blow to their roster on February 1, 2025, when guard Dejounte Murray suffered a non-contact injury during their game against the Boston Celtics. Murray, who has been dealing with injuries since joining the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks, was limited to just eight minutes of play before having to leave the game.
The injury occurred as Murray lunged for the ball after missing a shot, resulting in him crumpling to the floor and immediately grabbing his right ankle. Reports from the game indicate he was unable to bear weight on his leg, raising concerns about the severity of the injury. Bobby Manning, reporting for NBC Sports Boston, captured the moment, noting, "Dejounte Murray limping off the court unable to put weight on his right leg. Another injury in an excruciated season for NOLA."
After initially hobbling off on his own, Murray needed assistance to get to the locker room, leaving the game with four points, five rebounds, and shooting 2-for-6 from the field. Following the injury, the Pelicans quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the contest, stating he had sustained a lower leg injury.
This incident adds to the growing list of injury woes plaguing the Pelicans this season. Before Murray's injury, the team was already dealing with absences from key players. Zion Williamson has been sidelined due to illness, and Brandon Ingram has not played since early December due to ankle issues, compounding the team's challenges. Murray's injury creates uncertainty for the Pelicans, who are already at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with just 12 wins this season.
Reports indicate the Pelicans might be facing dire circumstances without their hoped-for stars. Will Guillory noted, "Murray went up for a rebound off his own miss. But after securing the ball, he immediately crumpled to the floor," hinting at the nature of the injury's release. The concern surrounding the potential for Murray sustaining an Achilles injury looms large, with commentators voicing fears over the impact this could have on both his season and the team overall.
Prior to his injury, Murray was proving to be instrumental even during the squad's struggles, averaging 17.9 points and nearly eight assists per game. With his progress sidelined, the burden may fall on fellow guard Jose Alvarado to fill the void left by Murray.
Despite their early optimism this season after acquiring Murray, the Pelicans may now be faced with selling off assets as the trade deadline approaches, possibly indicating even more rebuilding work during the offseason. The team has been forced to shuffle its lineups throughout the season as injuries have plagued several young players along with major stars. This situation exemplifies how injuries can disrupt team chemistry and derail progress.
Considering this season's adversity, basketball analysts and fans alike are asking whether the Pelicans have reached the point of no return. "A non-contact injury is never a good sign. Worst case scenario is a torn Achilles, which would likely end his season," stated another commentator reporting on the situation, emphasizing the potential consequences if the injury proves serious.
With the uncertainty surrounding Murray's future now thrown heavily on the Pelicans, the team needs to rally and find solutions without their prominent players. Even if the organization is counting down the games left this season, questions remain about rebuilding and whether the current roster is capable of becoming competitive again without their star players.
The immediate concern remains overseeing the health and recovery of Murray, as the season feels increasingly fragmented for New Orleans. With only limited time left to salvage anything from the year, the Pelicans might be facing the toughest stretch of their season yet.