After more than a year sidelined with a torn right Achilles tendon, New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray appears closer than ever to returning. During some media availability on Thursday, Borrego stated that he expects Murray to return to action in the next week.
"He's close. I'd say in the next week, he is back on the floor playing NBA games which is amazing"
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) February 19, 2026
-- James Borrego on Dejounte Murray's return from injury pic.twitter.com/0p2I6eUxWO
Murray’s return is unlikely to fully flip the Pelicans’ script this season, as with a 15-42 record, hopes of a late-season playoff push look dead. However, one thing this team has struggled with, particularly after Jose Alvarado's departure at the trade deadline, is consistent guard play.
For the future, it appears that the starting guard spot is Jeremiah Fears to lose, but he's still very far from being a polished guard. Pair that with Jordan Poole's rotation role being uncertain, and re-inserting Murray would give the team a trusted offensive conductor.
A calming voice
One of the main reasons the Pelicans have struggled this season is a lack of experience. When they try to play fast, things often get out of control, leading to bad shots or turnovers. When they try to play slowly, there's a lack of communication, and things get stagnant. This is something that Murray will help with, and the coaching staff knows it.
During the same media availability where Borrego teased his return date, he also spoke about what having Murray back on court will be like, and the biggest thing he touched on was his leadership.
"Leadership, poise, his voice, his mentality, the competitive spirit... He is obviously gonna run the club as a point guard and generate offense for us. I am expecting a lot of him... What I have seen has been very encouraging"
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) February 19, 2026
-- James Borrego on what Dejounte Murray brings pic.twitter.com/H2p1Xqr6Vd
When Murray was with the Spurs, he was forced to step into a leadership role following the end of the DeRozan-Aldridge era. At just 25 years old, he had to lead a young team and be trusted as the group's majority decision maker, a role he thrived in, earning an All-Star appearance that season. So it should come as no surprise that this is a role the Pelicans see him playing with their young group.
Obviously, we don't know how Murray will look upon his return or what the Pelicans plan for his minutes. But with a career average of 5.4 assists per game, his ability to swing the ball and create for others will certainly be beneficial for a team that's 23rd in assists per game, even on a minute restriction.
Whether he plays 10 or 30 minutes a game, Murray has consistently impacted winning when on the court. For a Pelicans team that struggled to develop winning habits this season, his return will be beneficial and maybe give the group something to build on as this season closes and they prepare for the next.
Murray was updated to doubtful ahead of Saturdays matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.