Dejounte Murray Makes Impactful First Season With Pelicans, Posting Solid All-Around Stats
The veteran guard showcased his versatility with impressive numbers across multiple categories
Image: Instagram
The New Orleans Pelicans have highlighted Dejounte Murray’s impressive statistical performance in his first season with the franchise. According to the team’s recent Instagram post, Murray posted well-rounded numbers across multiple categories, averaging 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
The Instagram post features Murray in action on the court, showcasing the guard’s dynamic playing style that has made him a valuable addition to the Pelicans roster. The image captures Murray in the team’s navy blue uniform as he demonstrates the athleticism and court presence that have defined his career.
Murray’s All-around Impact
Murray’s statistical line demonstrates his versatility as a two-way player. His 17.5 points per game provided consistent offensive production, while his 7.4 assists highlight his playmaking abilities. Perhaps most notably, Murray’s 2.0 steals per game underscore his defensive prowess, an area where he has excelled throughout his NBA career.
The 6.5 rebounds per game are particularly impressive for a guard, showing Murray’s willingness to contribute in all facets of the game. These numbers align with Murray’s reputation as one of the league’s most complete guards who impacts games beyond just scoring.
Fitting Into The Pelicans’ System
Murray joined a Pelicans team that features other notable talents including CJ McCollum, who according to another recent team post averaged 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 37.3% from three-point range this season. The backcourt pairing of Murray and McCollum has given New Orleans a versatile guard rotation with complementary skills.
The team has also benefited from the emergence of Trey Murphy III, who posted career-best numbers with 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 88.7% from the free-throw line. Murphy’s development into a key scoring option has helped create space for Murray to operate as both a scorer and facilitator.
Herb Jones has also been a key piece for the Pelicans, with the team recently highlighting his first season wearing the #2 jersey. Jones, known primarily for his defensive abilities, has formed a strong partnership with Murray on the perimeter, giving the Pelicans one of the more disruptive defensive backcourts in the league.
Organizational Changes
Murray’s first season with the Pelicans coincided with significant organizational changes, including the appointment of Basketball Hall of Famer Joe Dumars as the team’s new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. The team recently shared content featuring Dumars’ introduction, noting that he “brings his Hall of Fame toughness to lead his hometown team.”
Dumars, a Louisiana native with an illustrious playing career with the Detroit Pistons, brings championship experience and basketball acumen to the front office. His leadership could prove instrumental in maximizing Murray’s talents within the team structure.
Murray’s Career Journey
Prior to joining the Pelicans, Murray established himself as an elite two-way guard during his time with the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks. The 27-year-old earned an All-Star selection in 2022 and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2018.
Murray’s career has been defined by his ability to affect games in multiple ways, particularly with his length and anticipation on defense. His steals average has consistently ranked among the league leaders, making him one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA.
The Pelicans acquired Murray to strengthen their playoff aspirations, adding his veteran presence and two-way abilities to a talented core that includes Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and the aforementioned McCollum, Murphy, and Jones.
Looking Ahead
As the Pelicans continue to build around their current roster, Murray’s versatility gives the team flexibility in both lineup configurations and playing style. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories provides New Orleans with a valuable floor-raiser who can impact games even when his shot isn’t falling.
The team’s social media has been highlighting various players’ seasonal accomplishments, with Murray’s all-around production standing as one of the bright spots from the 2024-25 campaign. As evidenced by their recent posts featuring players like Murphy, McCollum, and Jones, the Pelicans are showcasing the depth and talent that surrounds Murray.
As Dumars settles into his new front office role, the continued development of Murray’s partnership with the Pelicans’ other key contributors will likely be a focal point for the franchise moving forward. With his proven ability to contribute in scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and defense, Murray represents the type of multifaceted talent that championship contenders covet.
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