Dejounte Murray has a playoff streak, but NOLA has plans to fight

The math says Zion Williamson’s Walking Wounded New Orleans Pelicans they have practically no chance to reach the NBA Play-In tournament. Dejounte Murray says otherwise. After missing 13 months recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Murray made his season debut on Tuesday and immediately took to social media with some bold statements.

there there will be no giving up in New Orleans. A few in the organization, including Murray and broadcaster Antonio Daniels, suggest the Pelicans will push for the final NBA playoff spot.

“Ugh!!! Are we a contender? No. Can we get to the top 6? No. Can we build momentum playing together and build winning habits for the rest of the season? Yes,” Murray posted on X/Twitter. “Can we treat every game like a championship game and win, win, win? Yes. Can we get to the bottom of their game? Duhhhhh.”

The All-Star point guard’s postseason aspirations are, to put it charitably, optimistic. The enthusiasm after the season debut is understandable; the reality is sobering. New Orleans has won two of its first three games since the NBA All-Star break and will soon have a fully healthy roster. Murray is indeed back added some ‘calmness’ to the processfor Borrego.

However, less than two dozen games remain for the cellar-dwelling Pelicans to make up for the 11-game deficit. The schedule is bearable, but it’s an undeniable situation trying to chase the LA Clippers.

Murray’s devotees will soon embark on a six-game road trip, though five of the next seven games will be against lottery-bound teams they want to lose to improve their chances. Unfortunately, the Clippers have the third-easiest schedule to close out the regular season. Still, the core of this team can build some momentum and chemistry that should be valuable next season, when the team expects to challenge for a top-six seed.

Pelicans move into stability

James Borrega’s reinforced starting five replaces two rookies with two All-Star-caliber veterans. At least one current starter will be replaced when Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy are availablewhich should be soon.

“It’s very complicated right now,” Borrego admitted. “It’s going to be more complicated in the next game or two. It’s a good problem; we’ve been waiting for this. We’ve got healthy bodies back, we’re playing good basketball, and guys are confident right now. It’s complicated, a puzzle I have to solve night after night. I can’t make 15 guys happy, and I know they’re all ready, 15 guys. At any moment, it could be their night, your moment, your quarter.”

The key parts become clear. Murray will lead the point for the next six weeks. Given the constant communication with Joe Dumars and the urgency to return to action, fans can expect the former All-Star to be in Metairie for training camp next September. Zaon Williamson’s value before the NBA trade deadline was a wake-up call for the underwhelming face of the franchise. The front office found a way to get Williamson on the field and get some laughs, so expect the experiment to continue.

Fans can expect Williamson and Murray to take turns handling the ball and setting the tables to create chances for everyone else. Herb Jones he is adored by his fans, appreciated by his teammates and feared by his enemies around the world. Not on Herb for not starting games on the bench. Trey Murphy III is arguably the best player in the Big Easy, and arguably the best scorer on the planet. His length and versatility are on the wing opposite Jones.

Yves Missy, Derrick Queenand Saddiq Bey likely to be replaced as fifth starter, depending on matchups. Bey as a sixth option to increase scoring off the bench is a tactical play. It gives Jeremiah Fears a new outlet, for example. However, the Pelicans have played from behind too often this season. Getting the lead and letting the young players figure things out with the lead against other units is the only way to keep the Play-In tournament dreams alive until March Madness begins.

Fears should be the first guard off the bench. Murray is now on a minutes restriction, and a recent first-round investment means the rookie will get significant time to develop on the court next season. Jordan Poole is clearly out of Borrego’s metaphorical doghouse, but has limited potential with the team beyond this season. Expect Poole to hit about 20 minutes a night on average, depending on whether his shot is falling and the pass is on point.

The Queen and Bay as a tandem should get about 50 minutes a night. The potential of that duo should be given time to develop. Micah Peavy and Bruce McGovens are ready for a bigger role, just to get data, if Poole plays too much. The Pelicans are getting serious about setting new standards by all accounts. Karlo Matkovic is a frontcourt change of pace option when Missy and Queen tire or run into blocks. Matkovic continues to earn Borrego’s trust in small steps.

It might not be enough to clinch the final NBA Play-In spot, but this game plan gives the Pelicans a real chance to make a run for NBA playoffs place next season. Joe Dumars is probably a couple of smart offseason moves away from contention if those lost salaries are Poole and Jordan Hawkins.

Murray, Williamson, Murphy III and Quinn all have All-Star potential. Fears are firecrackers. Not on Herb can still win Defensive Player of the Year. Bey may have been the best bet for buying and low prices over the last 12 months. The framework is there. They just need one more injury-free season to smother their championship fire. The next six weeks are the ultimate low-pressure situation that will give fans a sneak peek at why they should still be excited about the viability of this foundation.