Dejounte Murray Return Expected Tuesday as Pelicans Host Golden State Warriors

Dejounte Murray is slated to make his season debut Tuesday against the Warriors after missing 13 months with a ruptured right Achilles tendon.

Dejounte Murray return expectations are set for Tuesday night at the Smoothie King Center when the New Orleans Pelicans host the Golden State Warriors. This matchup marks the first time Murray will see game action in over 13 months, following a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered on Jan. 31, 2025, during a contest against the Boston Celtics. The veteran guard has appeared in only 31 total games for the franchise since being acquired from Atlanta in a blockbuster trade.

That transaction saw New Orleans surrender a significant package to the Hawks, including Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller. Furthermore, the Pelicans sent two future first-round draft picks, scheduled for 2025 and 2027, to secure the playmaker. Murray's tenure in Louisiana has been defined by medical setbacks, beginning with a broken left hand sustained during the very first game of his debut season with the team.

Roster Overhaul and Front Office Shifts

The organization Murray rejoins on Tuesday bears little resemblance to the squad he last played for in January 2025. During his recovery period, the Pelicans underwent a total leadership transformation, starting with the replacement of the entire front office. Joe Dumars now heads the basketball operations department, overseeing a roster that no longer features longtime franchise star Brandon Ingram, who was traded during Murray's absence.

On the sidelines, the team has transitioned to interim coach James Borrego following the firing of head coach Willie Green. Under the new regime, the Pelicans have pivoted toward a youth-focused strategy, integrating rookie guard Jeremiah Fears into the primary rotation. This developmental shift comes as the team struggles near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, seeking a spark from Murray’s veteran presence.

Medical Recovery and Coaching Perspective

James Borrego addressed the media following Monday's practice in Metairie, Louisiana, expressing optimism regarding the guard's availability. While the interim coach sounded inclined to utilize Murray against Golden State, he noted that it remains premature to discuss how the guard fits into the long-term vision established by Dumars. Borrego emphasized that Murray’s desire to return from such a significant injury speaks to a high level of character and a competitive drive to assist his teammates on the floor.

Murray participated in full practice sessions leading up to the Tuesday night tip-off. The guard dismissed any notion of sitting out despite the team's current standing, labeling such excuses as being for a "chump." He noted that his motivation stems from his family, the organization, and the City of New Orleans. Despite the 13-month layoff, Murray stated he believes his best basketball remains ahead of him and intends to use his recent hardships as fuel for the remainder of the season.

Tactical Impact on the Western Conference

The Pelicans are desperate for the offensive production Murray provided before his Achilles injury. His return provides a secondary ball-handler to complement the young core as they attempt to climb out of the conference cellar. Murray highlighted a positive working relationship with Joe Dumars and the current coaching staff, though he maintained that the identity of the front office does not change the players' responsibility to play the right way.

Tuesday's game against the Warriors serves as a critical litmus test for Murray's lateral mobility and explosive first step. Following the Achilles rupture in late January 2025, the medical staff has monitored his progress through a year-long rehabilitation process. The team expects his return to stabilize a backcourt that has lacked veteran leadership during a season defined by transition and administrative turnover. As the 2025 season progresses, the Pelicans will evaluate how Murray's 31-game sample size from last year translates to the current system implemented by Borrego.