The 2024-25 season was a devastating one for New Orleans Pelicans fans, marked by injuries, off-court struggles, and a horrible 21-61 record. That being said, things are on the up in the Big Easy, Zion Williamson looks transformed and healthier than ever, Jordan Poole is shifting the narrative about his work ethic, and Trey Murphy seems poised for a breakout year.
Vibes are high in New Orleans, and they just got even higher with ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reporting that he expects Dejounte Murray to return in the New Year. All summer fans had no idea what a potential return window looked like for Murray, who was recovering from a season-ending Achilles tear, but now they do.
This rumored return timetable for Murray sets the Pelicans up for a potential playoff appearance this season. If this group can stay afloat until the New Year, Murray could be the jolt that helps them go on a tear in the second half of the season.
Murray’s return would allow Jordan Poole to head back to the bench and play a role he is way more comfortable in as a spark plug sixth man. His return will also improve New Orleans' offensive flow, as he is a more pass-first guard than Poole.
During the Zion era, the Pelicans have never had a guard like Murray
For Dejounte Murray to be a former All-Star, an elite passer, a disruptor on the defensive end, and also someone who can give you 20 points per game, people don’t talk about him enough.
During Zion Williamson’s time with the Pelicans, he’s never really had a true point guard, as the closest he ever got was the two years he was playing with Lonzo Ball, which were arguably Williamson's best individual years. Sure, Williamson has had talent at the point, with players like Jrue Holiday and CJ McCollum, but both of them are traditionally not point guards and have skillsets more suited to play the two.
This makes Murray the first real pass-first traditional point guard Williamson has had, and that can’t be something that’s overlooked. History shows heavy pick-and-roll players like Z thrive when they are paired with a premier playmaker like Murray, making this duo exactly what the Pelicans need to reach the playoffs again.
With the Murray and Williamson only playing 108:03 minutes together last season, having this duo healthy for at least the second half of the 2025-26 campaign is going to be a movie.