Southwest Roundup: Murray’s Limited Practice, Dallas Roster Fits, Middleton’s Status, Jones’ Role, Pippen’s Return
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The Southwest Division produced several injury and roster updates this week, headlined by Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray taking his first on-court steps since last season’s Achilles rupture.
Murray Eases Back In
Head coach James Borrego said Monday that Murray has joined practice on a limited basis. New Orleans expects to “ramp up” the 29-year-old’s activity in the coming days and hopes to establish a clearer timetable after the All-Star break. Murray was acquired from Atlanta last offseason but appeared in only 31 games before the injury.
When he returns, he will rejoin a backcourt that has moved on from CJ McCollum and Jose Alvarado while adding Jordan Poole and rookie Jeremiah Fears.
Mavericks Outline Core Around Flagg
Speaking after last week’s trade deadline, Dallas co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi told The Dallas Morning News that wings Naji Marshall and Max Christie “fit perfectly” next to rookie forward Cooper Flagg. Riccardi praised both players for their on-court versatility and locker-room presence, calling them “Dallas Maverick players.”
Middleton Not Pushing for Buyout
Khris Middleton, acquired from Washington in the Anthony Davis salary-matching deal, said Tuesday he has not discussed a buyout with the Mavericks. “Nah, not yet… Don’t know that we will,” the three-time All-Star told reporters, adding that his sole focus is “just playing basketball.”
Jones Added to Steady the Offense
League sources told the Dallas Hoops Journal that Dallas targeted Tyus Jones at the deadline to lighten the playmaking burden on the rest of the roster. The front office views the veteran point guard as a stabilizer rather than a transformative piece.
Pippen Finally Pain-Free
Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr., limited by chronic left-toe pain for more than three years, underwent a sesamoidectomy in October and did not debut until Friday. In his first two games back, he has totaled 24 points, 10 assists and five steals while shooting 64.3% from the field and 66.7% from three. “I feel like I’m finally healthy,” Pippen said, noting he can now sprint and plant without discomfort.
Source: Hoops Rumors
