Pelicans Expect Dejounte Murray to Return in Next Week

Interim head coach James Borrego says the star guard is close to making his season debut after missing over a year with an Achilles injury.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The New Orleans Pelicans may be getting a major boost to their lineup soon, as interim head coach James Borrego stated that he expects guard Dejounte Murray to return to action in the next week. Murray has been sidelined for over a year with a torn right Achilles tendon, but Borrego said his recovery has been "amazing" and that the team is eager to have his leadership and playmaking back on the court.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have struggled to a 15-42 record this season, and the return of Murray could provide a much-needed jolt to the team's backcourt. Murray is known for his ability to run the offense, make his teammates better, and bring a competitive spirit that the young Pelicans squad has lacked at times this year.

The details

Murray, who was an All-Star with the San Antonio Spurs in 2022, was traded to the Pelicans in the offseason but has yet to make his debut due to the Achilles injury suffered last year. Borrego praised Murray's leadership and poise, saying he will "run the club as a point guard and generate offense" for the team. The Pelicans have been searching for consistent guard play since the departure of Jose Alvarado at the trade deadline, so Murray's return could provide a stabilizing presence.

  • Murray was updated to doubtful ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
  • Borrego expects Murray to return to action in the next week.

The players

Dejounte Murray

A 25-year-old guard who was an All-Star with the San Antonio Spurs in 2022 before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the offseason. He has been sidelined for over a year with a torn right Achilles tendon.

James Borrego

The interim head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans who provided the update on Dejounte Murray's impending return to action.

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What they’re saying

“He's close. I'd say in the next week, he is back on the floor playing NBA games which is amazing”

— James Borrego, Interim Head Coach (Pelicans Film Room)

“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”

— James Borrego, Interim Head Coach (Pelicans Film Room)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The return of Dejounte Murray could provide a much-needed boost to the struggling New Orleans Pelicans, both in terms of his on-court production and his veteran leadership. His ability to run the offense and create for others should help stabilize a backcourt that has lacked consistency this season.