The Pelicans welcomed Dejounte Murray on Tuesday, and he seemed very comfortable in his new surroundings.
This season, he might be the key to their success.
New Orleans had a great 2023-24 season with a 49-33 record, their best since 2008-09. However, they struggled late in the season and were swept by the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
Murray is expected to elevate the team’s young core. After his press conference, Shamit Dua from WDSU called Murray “the real deal” who can push teammates to higher standards .
I thought the Dejounte Murray presser was one of the more impressive introductory pressers I've been a part of since I started covering the team. He's the real deal and the type of person to push his teammates to higher standards
— Shamit Dua (@FearTheBrown)
Defensive Duo:
Murray, an All-Star in 2021-22 with San Antonio, is excited to team up with Herb Jones. Together, they could become one of the top defensive duos in the league. “I want to be on First-Team All-Defense with him,” Murray said. He led the league in steals during 2021-22 and made Second-Team All-Defense early in his career.
“I want to be on first team All-defense with him….. iron sharpens iron.” Dejounte Murray on Herb Jones #Pelicans
— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola)
Murray sees himself as a natural leader and is eager to work alongside Zion Williamson, whom he calls “our superstar.” He believes Zion has many more levels to reach and wants to help him get there.
Fans might think this partnership could finally unlock Zion’s full potential.
"That's our superstar… I'm excited to push him to the next level because he has a bunch of levels he could reach."
Dejounte Murray on Zion Williamson 🗣️
(via @PelicansNBA)
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints)
Zion played 70 games last season and averaged impressive stats: 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, five assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 57%. He scored 40 points against the Lakers but left with a hamstring injury late in that game.
If Murray can help Zion improve even more, New Orleans could become a strong contender in the West for the upcoming season. He’ll also be crucial during close games where they’ve struggled before.
In clutch situations last year (final five minutes when within five points), New Orleans was only 14-15. Murray ranked ninth in clutch points (106) and was also effective at rebounding during those moments (29 clutch rebounds).
He’s expected to fit seamlessly into their rotation and help them achieve their full potential as Western Conference contenders.
What do you think about this new addition?
