New Orleans — Dejounte Murray is expected to make his season debut soon, capping a 13-month recovery from a torn Achilles suffered in January 2025. While working his way back, the 29-year-old guard also dealt with a series of personal hardships, including his mother’s stroke, the fatal shooting of a cousin and an uncle’s overdose. “I’ve been through so much,” Murray said. “Injuries are part of sports. It’s not how you fall, it’s how you get back up.”
The Pelicans enter play at 16-42 and do not control their 2026 first-round pick, giving head coach James Borrego every reason to put Murray back in the rotation. “Dejounte will raise our level,” Borrego said. “He’s worked his tail off … I just want him to compete and embrace the moment with his teammates.”
McGowens Lands Guaranteed Deal
New Orleans finalized a three-year contract with Bryce McGowens that is fully guaranteed through 2026/27 and contains a team option for 2027/28. The Pelicans spent $724,598 of their mid-level exception to convert the wing from a two-way contract and lock him in for two additional seasons.
Smith Rewarding Rockets’ Investment
Jabari Smith Jr. will begin a five-year, $122 million rookie-scale extension in July, and recent play suggests Houston’s bet is paying off. The former No. 2 pick scored 31 points against Utah on Monday and is averaging 18.6 points over his last 10 games while shooting .550 from the field, .483 from three and .833 at the line. “The last month, Jabari has been catching his rhythm,” teammate Kevin Durant said. “He’s stepped into his position and been great for us.”
Christie Sets Higher Bar in Dallas
Max Christie told reporters he wants the final 26 games to surpass his first 51. The Mavericks swingman is posting career-best numbers of 13.3 points on .469/.427/.871 shooting but believes added volume could boost those averages. Christie also discussed being left out of the three-point contest, endorsed Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year and praised Kyrie Irving’s off-court influence despite Irving’s season-long absence.
The Southwest Division storylines will continue to unfold as Murray returns, McGowens settles into a new deal, Smith keeps rolling and Christie chases a personal best down the stretch.
Source: Hoops Rumors
