Pelicans' Dejounte Murray Reportedly Could Return from Achilles Injury Around January

The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly could get a key player back from injury before the second half of the season.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on NBA Today that Dejounte Murray, who suffered a torn Achilles last January, could be back on the court this January.

"I would look at right after New Years, that New Years area, as to where Dejounte Murray can start to pinpoint when he could make his return," Charania said.

Murray, who was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Pelicans ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, played 31 games last season, putting up 17.5 points, 7.4 assists and 6.5 boards per game. He suffered the injury on Jan. 31 against the Boston Celtics.

The Pelicans are coming off a disastrous 21-61 season, marking their worst campaign in more than a decade.

Injuries decimated New Orleans' playoff hopes as star Zion Williamson played just 30 games and Brandon Ingram, who was later traded to the Toronto Raptors, missed more than two months. Only two players—Yves Missi and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl—played more than 60 games.

But better days could be on the way for the Pelicans this season if they can avoid injuries. The team added a talented point guard in Jordan Poole this offseason and drafted two exciting rookies in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.

Williamson also appeared in good shape at media days, having implemented a new workout program this offseason.

"We came up with a plan, from boxing to working out on the football field a lot to just different, random workouts," Williamson said. "During that timeframe last year, I really felt a shift in my body to where I would look at him and go, 'Dude, it feels good to feel good.' I haven't felt like this since college, high school, where I can walk in the gym and just, I feel good."

When fully healthy, Williamson is capable of leading the Pelicans to the playoffs. Pair that with Murray's potential return in January, and New Orleans could be a surprise contender in the West this year.