New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray’s season came to a premature end on Friday night when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the first quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics.
The injury occurred after Murray pulled in a rebound, and he could barely make it off the court under his own power. This devastating injury marks the latest in a series of injuries that have plagued the Pelicans this season.
Murray, who joined the Pelicans via trade last July, had a challenging season even before this latest injury. He broke his hand in the season opener and missed several games before returning to the lineup. Despite his efforts, Murray struggled with his shooting and was averaging 17.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.5 rebounds over 30 games.
The Pelicans have been hit hard by injuries this season, with key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram also missing significant time. Williamson has played in just 13 games due to various injuries, while Ingram has appeared in only 18 contests. Herb Jones is currently out indefinitely with a shoulder injury, too. The team’s struggles have been reflected in their record, as they currently sit at 12-37, a stark contrast to their 49-33 playoff team from last season.
The Pelicans’ injury woes have not only affected their performance on the court but also their standing in the league. With Murray’s season-ending injury, the team will have to rely even more on their remaining players, such as CJ McCollum and Jose Alvarado, to step up and fill the void.
The road to recovery for Murray will be long and challenging, as Achilles injuries typically require at least a year of rehabilitation. The Pelicans will have to navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key players, hoping to find some silver lining in the midst of this injury-riddled campaign.