New Orleans Pelicans’ All-Star guard Dejounte Murray suffered a left-hand fracture during the team’s season-opening 123-111 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Murray, who was making his official Pelicans’ debut, got hurt towards the end of the fourth quarter. With 2:23 on the clock and Pelicans up 12, Murray launched a three-pointer before being fouled by Bulls’ Zach LaVine. He attempted to brace his fall using his hands before rolling over and remaining on the floor until his teammates helped him up.
The Pelicans confirmed the nature of Murray’s injury on Thursday, saying that the player has been ruled out indefinitely and that further updates will be “appropriately provided.” Additionally, the team provided an update on forward Trey Murphy III, who is nearing a return from a hamstring injury.
This is an unfortunate turn of events for the Pelicans, who hoped that a blockbuster offseason trade for Murray could help them join the upper echelon of the Western Conference. They gave up two first-round picks and several players, including Dyson Daniels, the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and veteran Larry Nance Jr., to acquire him from the Atlanta Hawks.
Murray had a near triple-double against the Bulls, scoring 14 points and adding 10 assists and eight rebounds.
The good news for the Pelicans is that their franchise cornerstone, Zion Williamson, will be available for the upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Williamson missed the season opener due to illness.
