The wait for Dejounte Murray’s return is almost over.
The New Orleans Pelicans point guard who tore his Achilles last season on Jan. 31 was a full participant in the team’s first two practices (Wednesday and Thursday) after the All-Star break.
“He’s close,” Pelicans’ interim coach James Borrego said after Thursday’s practice. “I’d say in the next week, he’s back on the floor playing NBA games, which is amazing.”
Murray played in 31 games for the Pelicans last season, his first with the team after being acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. He fractured his left hand in the season opener and missed the next 17 games. He played in 30 more games before the season-ending injury against the Boston Celtics in the Smoothie King Center.
Borrego likes what Murray can bring to a team that is 15-41 at the All-Star break.
“Leadership, poise, just his voice, his mentality,’” Borrego said. “The competitive spirit. He’s a 2-way player. A guy that can defend at a high level. We’ve seen that in the past. He knows how to run the club as a point guard and can generate offense.”
Murray averaged 17.5 points and 7.4 assists in his 31 games last season. His best game came against the Utah Jazz when he scored 26 points to go with 11 assists and nine rebounds.
The Pelicans return to action with back-to-back home games. They host the Milwaukee Bucks Friday and the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday.
Trey Murphy, who is dealing with a shoulder injury from the last game before the All-Star break, is going to be listed as “doubtful” for Friday’s game, Borrego said.
They play again Tuesday at home against the Golden State Warriors.
It’s unclear exactly which game Murray will be back for, but Borrego welcomes his return.
“I’m expecting a lot from him,” Borrego said. “He’s coming off a massive injury, but what I’ve seen has been encouraging. I look forward to watching him.”