The Pelicans made a push this offseason, trading the promising Dyson Daniels to the Hawks for 2022 NBA All-Star guard Dejounte Murray.
While it seemed like a trade that could help New Orleans contend this season, the deal is already off to an incredibly bad start for the franchise. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, during his first regular-season game with the team, Murray was injured.
The guard suffered a fractured left hand during Opening Night against the Bulls. It is a difficult pill to swallow for the organization, who are now sadly without their starting point guard for an extended period of time.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is feared to have a fractured left hand, sources tell ESPN. Difficult opening night injury for Pelicans and Murray, who posted 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in season-opening victory over Chicago. pic.twitter.com/JcDxdoSCKd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 24, 2024
According to Jeff Stotts, the expected recovery time is approximately between 15 and 17 and games.
So expect New Orleans to not have Murray for the first one-fifth of the season.
Re: Dejounte Murray: Time lost will be dictated by treatment options. If the fracture is non-displaced (like Hartenstein) & surgery is not needed then the average time lost is 15.6 games (35.2 days). If surgery is needed, the numbers go up slightly. (17.2 games, 40.5 days).
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) October 24, 2024
The good news is that CJ MCollum can play some point guard for the Pelicans if they wish.
Although he has a right knee contusion, backup point guard Jose Alvarado is also able to serviceably fill in for Murray as well.
But on the other hand, the player the Pelicans traded to acquire Murray looked outstanding during his first game with the Hawks.
Daniels was absolutely astonishing on both ends of the floor for Atlanta, beginning his tenure with the team by recording 15 points with 5 rebounds as well as 5 steals and 1 block. He added 2 assists as well.
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