Pelicans' Dejounte Murray set to return after Achilles rehab

Dejounte Murray spent about 13 months rehabbing a ruptured right Achilles and said he felt ready to play in Tuesday's home game against the Golden State Warriors.

Dejounte Murray is nearing a return to the New Orleans Pelicans' lineup after an extended rehabilitation from a ruptured right Achilles' tendon. He practiced and told reporters on Monday that he felt ready to play in Tuesday night's home game against the Golden State Warriors. Murray has dealt with multiple injuries in his career but has spoken about using setbacks as motivation. The Pelicans are rebuilding and have experienced front-office changes since Murray was acquired. Reported details: - Murray rehabilitated from a ruptured right Achilles' tendon sustained on Jan. 31, 2025, and has spent roughly 13 months recovering. - He stated after practice that he felt ready to play in Tuesday's home game against the Golden State Warriors. - The Pelicans sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings as a rebuilding club. - The front-office regime that traded for Murray (David Griffin) was fired and replaced by Joe Dumars, who used his first pick to draft Jeremiah Fears seventh overall from Oklahoma. - Interim coach James Borrego said it might be premature to discuss how Murray fits the long-term vision and stopped short of confirming whether Murray would play, though he sounded inclined to do so. Summary: His return brings an experienced guard back to the Pelicans' roster. Coach James Borrego said he was inclined to play Murray on Tuesday but did not confirm his status. Undetermined at this time.