OCTOBER 24: Imaging has indeed revealed that Murray broke his hand, sources tell Charania. He now faces a lengthy recovery before he can play his second game for the Pelicans.
OCTOBER 23: The Pelicans are concerned that combo guard Dejounte Murray may have fractured his left hand during his New Orleans regular season debut Wednesday, sources inform Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
The 6’5″ vet was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Hawks this summer that saw New Orleans offload some serious depth and draft equity. In in the Pelicans’ 123-111 victory over the Bulls, Murray scored 14 points on 4-of-15 shooting from the floor and 6-of-7 shooting from the charity stripe. He also dished out 10 dimes and pulled down eight boards.
New Orleans won 49 contests last year, but was quickly swept out of the playoffs by the Thunder in the first round last spring. In making a play for Murray, team president David Griffin opted to load up on two-way backcourt talent. Should the injury be a break, that move could come back to bite the Pelicans during the regular season.
A one-time All-Star and All-Defensive Teamer while with the Spurs, Murray struggled to find his footing during his two seasons in Atlanta, playing alongside another ball-dominant guard in All-Star Trae Young. While plying his trade for the Hawks, Murray averaged 21.5 points on .462/.355/.810 shooting splits, plus 6.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals. The team, however, made the playoffs only once during his tenure.
New Orleans represented a far more balanced squad for Murray, perhaps his best chance yet to make at least the second round of the playoffs. With his health now a long-term concern this year, the Pelicans’ fate is suddenly far more tenuous.
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