Dejounte Murray recently appeared on the Pivot podcast, which is hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder. During this hour and seven minute interview, Murray talked about his struggle growing up in southern Seattle and how he made it out even after spending time in juvenile detention.
He also touched on how, after a failed experiment in Atlanta between him and Trae Young, he knew something would change. But New Orleans was never on his radar, Murray described. "That wasn't the team we were talking to." Nevertheless, he ended up in New Orleans.
Upon arrival, Murray instantly tried to get to work. Seven days before their first game of the season, his mother suffered a stroke. This rocked his world, he left New Orleans and went to spend time with her back in his home state of Seattle.
While visiting her at the hospital, they were watching the WNBA Finals. She pointed to the TV, telling him he needed to go play. So he left and returned to New Orleans, and in his first game, he broke his hand. This was a total gut punch that felt like a sign to Murray that he should've never left his mom's side.
After returning from his hand injury, Murray then tore his Achilles, ending his season. He had this to say about his first season with the Pels. “I’m stressed, I’m mad everyday, I’m sad, I’m angry, I don’t want to be there at that time. It’s just so much going on,” On top of dealing with his mother's health and his injuries, his cousin was killed, and his uncle had just overdosed.
Murray felt that during this trying time, there was a lack of support from the organization, calling some of the Pelicans’ actions unprofessional. Despite this, he also said, “Nothing but love for New Orleans... I don't badmouth no body. This is just what Dejounte went through."
What does Murray's future look like after this interview?
Many Pelicans fans view this interview as negative. I don't see it that way. Murray spoke his mind. After everything he went through last year, both on and off the court, he has every right to feel the way he does. It's also worth noting that in a year where you win 21 games, the whole roster is going to be disgruntled. He said, “It wasn’t just me, it was everybody’s mental. Every player.”
For me, Murray's speaking out shows true leadership, specifically the kind rooted in honesty and accountability, qualities this organization has lacked. Murray is under contract for the next two seasons with a player option for $30.7 million in 2027-28. I expect him to play out that entire contract with the Pelicans unless this next season is a disaster and they enter a full-scale rebuild.
The most significant issues with the Pelicans organization started at the top, but things appear to be trending upward. After last season, David Griffin was fired and replaced by Hall of Famer and former NBA champion Joe Dumars.
I'm very confident that Dumars values Murray because of his production level. When healthy, he is one of the league's best two-way guards. Last season, despite all the challenges he faced, he averaged two steals per game. His elite two-way ability, veteran poise, and floor-general instincts make him a vital piece for the Pelicans as they look to contend in the West.
Murray speaking up about how he felt is exactly the kind of vocal leadership this team has been missing. This should be seen as a positive and used as fuel for the entire group to return stronger next season.