Dejounte Murray sees ‘something special’ in Derrick Queen, Jeremiah Fears

After 13 months of rehabilitation from Achilles, Dejounte Murray finally made his own season debut for the New Orleans Pelicans. However, in a moment that could have been about his own comeback, the veteran made sure the spotlight shifted to the rookies. Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Queen however, he played a big role in the victory over the visiting Golden State Warriors.

Murray had a vintage performance (13 points, three assists, two rebounds in 25 minutes), but it was the energy injected by the first-year players during a crucial third quarter that led to the All-Star singing some praises after the game.

“Yeah, we needed it, though. We had some battles in practice. Just to have a game like that where we were hot, it looked really good to start the game, but then we had some trouble going through. We call it that third quarter. Our young group came in, and they won that quarter. They played really well to put us in a position to win tonight, and to be together.”

The win provided a glimpse into what the injury-hit James Borrego Pelicans hope is a promising future, even as New Orleans navigates the final stretch of a challenging season. With the playoffs out of reach, minutes have opened up for the rookie class. Fortunately, Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Queen earns the most opportunities, with both posting numbers worthy of any rookie.

For a claiming the Dejounte Murray-led Pelicans team, the opportunity to mentor a young core is a chance for any veteran to help build something sustainable. As a point guard, that has to be a priority. As for how well the Dreads and the Queen have taken the 29-year-old’s advice in recent weeks?

“A lot. Because, like I said, I want to make everybody’s job easier, and it’s going to rub off on them. But there are guys who already feel that way. You know, you have a guy like Herb Jones who doesn’t ask a coach to draw a game for him. He’s always active on offense. He sees what nobody sees on defense, he knows Murray is active for everybody.” “But, you know, I just think the more we’re off the floor together, having fun and teaching each other how to translate, it could be really special.”

The Pelicans (15-42) are lottery bound, but the development of their starting duo has proven to be a real bright spot. Quinn is averaging 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists; Fears gives 13.3 points and 3.1 assists. Murray suggested their statistics only tell part of the story. What impressed him more was how they handled the inevitable ups and downs of an NBA rookie season, especially when the roles changed dramatically.

“We like each other. There’s no ego. Nobody’s sulking,” Murray said. “You had young guys at the beginning and then they went to the bench. They took it, you know, like they had to, and I give them a lot of credit for that. So that speaks volumes for maturity and what they’re at. And we’re all here to win and longevity is, you know, the key to everything.”

For a franchise that has often sought stability, Murray sees the foundations being laid in real time. Joe Dumars “executed to perfection” the plan to win Dejounte’s trust. Wins may be harder to come by this season, but faith in what’s to come has never been stronger.