New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray put the Pelicans on blast following their 119-93 loss against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.

The Raptors, who have not won a road game in 10 outings, built a 34-point lead in the second half over the Pelicans as boos echoed from the hometown fans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

"If you're not embarrassed and really mad about this, that's a problem," Murray said after the game, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN).

The Pelicans are 4-15 to start the season and are currently riding a six-game losing streak.

"It's not really about the loss, [but] how we lost in front of our fans," Murray continued, per the Associated Press. "Like, even the fans booing -- I mean, what would you do if you was a fan paying your money? You want to come watch a competitive basketball game, especially from your home team. So, they got all the rights to say what they want, feel how they feel. They deserve a better game."

The team has been plagued by injuries this season, with Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins all sidelined.

"When you've got guys in, guys out, guys in, guys out, it's really tough," Murray said, per the Associated Press. "But I think it's not tough to compete... You can't get punked. You can't get pushed around," Murray added. "Tonight, it was just disgusting. We've got to compete. We've got to play harder, no matter who's on the floor."

The Pelicans will look to bounce back from their loss on Friday as they take on the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies on the road.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will no longer be represented by the Creative Arts Agency, The Athletic's Joe Vardon and Sam Amick reported.

Williamson's "contract situation" is "in doubt" due to his injury history, according to Vardon and Amick.

He had been represented by CAA since 2019.

The news of the split comes the same day ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Williamson is "not close" to returning from an ongoing hamstring issue.

Williamson originally signed with CAA Sports as a 19-year-old NCAA star.

Since entering the NBA as the top pick of the 2019 draft, injuries have limited Williamson to fewer than 50 percent of the Pelicans' games. He has played in six of New Orleans' 16 games so far this season.

Williamson is playing in the second season of the five-year, $197 million contract he inked with the Pelicans in 2022.

However, Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic has previously reported that the Pelicans have an out built in to Williamson's contract after this season.

Because Williamson fell short of a games-played clause in his contract during the 2022-23 campaign, the final three years of his deal are not guaranteed, per Vorkunov. That opens the possibility for the Pelicans to waive Williamson after the 2024-25 campaign without taking on dead money.

Williamson, who has not played since suffering a left hamstring strain during a Nov. 6 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, has "undergone multiple treatments" on his hamstring, according to Charania.

Charania reported that Williamson could be sidelined past mid-December "as he rehabilitates a body part that has sustained multiple strains over the past few years."

Williamson missed the last 53 games of the 2022-23 campaign due to a right hamstring injury.

He returned to play a career-high 70 games in 2023-24, but the Pelicans lost Williamson for the postseason after he suffered a left hamstring strain during a play-in tournament loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Pelicans advanced to the postseason without Williamson, but were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.

New Orleans has similarly struggled to cover for a crowded injured list that has included not just Williamson but also CJ McCollum, Jose Alvarado, Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones.

The Pelicans hold the second-worst record in the Western Conference at 4-12 heading into Friday night's NBA Cup action against the Golden State Warriors.

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is "not close to a return to action" as he deals with a hamstring injury, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Williamson has already missed the Pelicans' past seven games after suffering the injury in a Nov. 6 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers and "will be out for an extended period of time longer," per Charania.

New Orleans owns a record of just 1-6 since the two-time All-Star forward was sidelined.

Williamson missed two games prior to the defeat against Cleveland due to hamstring tightness.

It's a worrying sign that his return date is still reportedly unclear, as the Pelicans announced that he was out "indefinitely" after he initially suffered the strain.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward Zion Williamson has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain. Medical imaging taken this morning confirmed the injury. Williamson will be out indefinitely and further updates will be appropriately provided. pic.twitter.com/DPG4dRf5MY

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 9, 2024

Williamson was optimistic about his recovery process when speaking to reporters on Friday, explaining that he's still following guidelines as he looks to return.

"Rehab is going great," Williamson said, per Jim Eichenhofer of NBA.com. "On track. That's all I can do right now."

Since the Pelicans selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft, the 24-year-old's tenure with the organization has been defined by stellar play as well as a lack of availability.

He appeared in a career-high 70 games last season, but he suited up in just 114 total contests in four years prior. Williamson also missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a fracture in his right foot.

The former Duke standout was off to another strong start prior to the hamstring issue this season, averaging 22.7 points and 8.0 rebounds to go along with 5.3 assists per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field.

Zion Williamson DOMINANT and EFFICIENT in the @PelicansNBA 3rd win of the year!

💪 34 PTS (16 in 4Q)
💪 10 AST
💪 14-20 FGM (70.0 FG%)
💪 6 REB

It's his first career game with 30+ PTS and 10+ AST 👏 pic.twitter.com/mhTh3qYcn0

— NBA (@NBA) November 2, 2024

Williamson isn't New Orleans' only starter to miss time to open the squad's 2024-25 campaign. Point guard Dejounte Murray suffered a fractured hand in the team's season-opener and shooting guard CJ McCollum has been out for 12 straight games with a right adductor strain.

As the shorthanded Pelicans attempt to bounce back from a 4-12 record, Williamson is still out for the foreseeable future.

Zion Williamson revealed some new ink on Friday.

The New Orleans Pelicans star unveiled a fresh tattoo that covers his entire back on social media, which included a video that detailed the process.

Zion’s new back tattoo 👀✍️

(via antmikes/IG, can_dmedia/IG, h/t @inkednba) pic.twitter.com/BUwAVj5IbO

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2024

Zion’s new back tattoo is CRAZY 🔥 @Zionwilliamson (via @Antmikes) pic.twitter.com/7afsRUMjES

— Overtime (@overtime) November 22, 2024

Williamson has averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line in six appearances this season.

After suiting up in a career-high 70 games during the 2023-24 regular season, the 24-year-old has been plagued by injuries once again to open the 2024-25 campaign.

Williamson initially missed the Pelicans' season-opener due to an illness. He's also been ruled out of the team's past seven games after suffering a strained left hamstring against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 6, and his timetable for a return is unknown.

The No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft discussed his experience with the injury when speaking to reporters on Friday.

"When I left the arena, I felt fine," Williamson explained, via NBA.com's Jim Eichenhofer. "No problems, no nothing. Got up the next day and came in for treatments, and felt more sore than usual. Got it checked out. It wasn't what I wanted to hear. The initial part [of hearing the news of being sidelined] is always rough on your mental. After the first week, your spirits are back up. Being around the guys helps as well."

New Orleans has dealt with injuries to several key players to begin the year, contributing to the team's 4-12 record.

Offseason acquisition Dejounte Murray suffered a fractured hand in the first game of the regular season, while veteran shooting guard CJ McCollum has missed 12 consecutive contests due to a right adductor strain.

As Williamson recovers from his hamstring issue, he showcased his latest tattoo on social media.

The injury woes continue for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson continue as a hamstring injury will sideline him for the foreseeable future.

New Orleans announced on Saturday that Williamson was diagnosed with a strained hamstring that will keep him out indefinitely.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward Zion Williamson has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain. Medical imaging taken this morning confirmed the injury. Williamson will be out indefinitely and further updates will be appropriately provided. pic.twitter.com/DPG4dRf5MY

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 9, 2024

Williamson has already missed four of the Pelicans' first 10 games this season due to various ailments. He sat out the opener due to an illness before playing in five straight games.

A hamstring injury kept Williamson out of action in three of the last four games, including Friday's loss to the Orlando Magic. Hamstring issues are turning into a persistent problem for the two-time All-Star.

It was a hamstring injury that soured what had been the best game of Williamson's NBA career against the Los Angeles Lakers in the play-in tournament last season. He scored 40 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 37 minutes before suffering the injury in the fourth quarter.

Williamson wound up missing the second play-in game against the Sacramento Kings and the entire first-round series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This Pelicans season is in danger of being ruined by injuries to key players. Dejounte Murray suffered a fractured hand in the season opener against the Chicago Bulls that will keep him out for at least four to six weeks.

Losing Williamson for an extended period of time again leaves the Pelicans without a lot of creative playmakers on offense. The 24-year-old ranks second on the team in scoring average (22.7), tied for first in rebounding (8.0) and second in assists (5.3).

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will likely remain in the starting lineup for head coach Willie Green until Williamson can return.

Zion Williamson's career has been defined by injuries, and he's now dealing with a new one.

The New Orleans Pelicans superstar will sit out Friday night's game against the Orlando Magic with left hamstring tightness, the team announced.

Zion Williamson (left hamstring tightness) is OUT tonight versus the Magic.

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 8, 2024

Williamson, 24, missed the first game of the 2024-25 season due to an illness.

He also sat out games on Sunday and Monday due to hamstring issues but played in Wednesday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

That missed time marked a disappointing start to an important season for the high-flying forward. The 2023-24 season was his healthiest campaign, as he set a career-high with 70 games played, though his 22.9 points per game were his lowest mark since his rookie season.

Nonetheless, a largely healthy Williamson helped New Orleans reach the Play-In Tournament. And that's when the injury bug bit again.

The superstar suffered a left hamstring strain with just minutes remaining in the team's 110-106 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in their first Play-In matchup, ending an impressive performance that saw him put up 40 points.

He then missed the team's next game, in which New Orleans saved its season by beating the Sacramento Kings to earn the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs, and the entirety of the team's four-game sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round.

The Pelicans retooled the roster around him in the summer, adding Dejounte Murray to a core that also included Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and Herb Jones. There's no doubt the Pelicans have talent, but they will only go as far as Williamson can take them.

And that won't be very far if he struggles again this season to remain on the court.

Zion Williamson went off on Tuesday night, though it wasn't enough to best the shorthanded Golden State Warriors.

The Dubs, despite being without the injured trio of Stephen Curry, De'Anthony Melton and Andrew Wiggins—and despite Williamson's 31 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block—beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 124-106

Williamson was truly the main event, showcasing his usual blend of power, explosiveness and touch.

Zion slams on the pivot foot, spins and puts it in for two 🌀

He's got 27 on TNT! pic.twitter.com/KcaRFuweiB

— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2024

Zion tough-angled bucket for 19 to lead all scorers 🔥

Pelicans lead 51-47 at the break on TNT. pic.twitter.com/08MSgPFJ7j

— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2024

Zion 3 - COUNT IT! pic.twitter.com/4UcObBcz8S

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 30, 2024

And social media gave him his flowers despite the loss:

Zion is so back pic.twitter.com/Qf80m6HIHV

— HoodieBev  (@HoodieBev) October 30, 2024

Draymond Green is one of the best ever at taking away the primary thing an opponent wants to do, so it's notable that Zion has been able to get to his left hand at will against him tonight.

— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) October 30, 2024

BI & Zion both got 30 n they losing wtf lol

— Kevo (@Paid_Kevo) October 30, 2024

Zion and ingram carrying the pels rn

— Curry 🥇 (@currysaura) October 30, 2024

Man New Orleans needs some dam help, Zion is a cold player but he not taking this team to any type of championship

— Radio Raheem (@0R_Green3) October 30, 2024

Ingram and Zion doing all they can!!!

— Taydoe T2A🪂 (@1taydoe) October 30, 2024

Zion destroying Draymond lmaooo I know he not tryna go 110% to guard dude in an early season October game 😭😭😭

— 🫵👍 (@AndyKHLiu) October 30, 2024

Zion finally locked in tonight

— 𝘿𝙊𝙈 (@DatGuyDominixk) October 30, 2024

Zion is a monster of a player

— 'Mide (@midEdAvid) October 30, 2024

But ultimately, this was a bad loss for the Pelicans and a fantastic win for Golden State.

While the Pelicans were without key players in Dejounte Murray (fractured hand) and Trey Murphy III (hamstring), they led this game by as many as 20 points and didn't have to deal with Curry. Even on the road, this should have been a win.

But the Warriors came roaring back, scoring 40 points in the third quarter, as Buddy Hield (28 points, 7-of-11 from three), Lindy Waters III (21 points, nine boards) and Jonathan Kuminga (17 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block) led the charge.

Golden State's defense was fantastic, forcing 22 Pelicans' turnovers. The Dubs shot lights out from beyond the arc (21-of-46, 45.7 percent). And the Warriors were balanced, with five players scoring double-digit points.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, had only Williamson and Brandon Ingram (30 points) in double digits. This was a night to forget for New Orleans, but it was at least promising to see Williamson playing well after fully recovering from the illness that kept him out of the opening game of the season.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is reportedly expected to miss at least a month of action after suffering a hand injury during the Pels' 123-111, season-opening win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Murray underwent successful surgery on his fractured left hand and will be out for four to six weeks.

New Orleans acquired Murray from the Atlanta Hawks during the offseason in exchange for two first-round picks, Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller and E.J. Liddell.

Murray appeared to suffer the injury late in his regular-season debut with the Pelicans when he was fouled by Bulls wing Zach LaVine on a three-point attempt.

He stayed in the game to make two of his three free throws but was subbed out after that and did not return to the floor for the final two minutes of the game.

that's nasty, Dejounte. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/vIJzmhFj4l

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 24, 2024

Murray, 28, is widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, as he was a member of the 2017-18 NBA All-Defensive Second Team and led the league in steals per game in 2021-22.

Originally selected 29th overall in the 2016 NBA draft out of Washington, Murray spent his first six years in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs.

It was with the Spurs in 2021-22 that he earned the only All-Star selection of his career thus far, as he averaged 21.1 points and a career-high 9.2 assists, 8.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.

The Spurs traded Murray to the Hawks prior to the 2022-23 season, as Atlanta hoped to create one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league between Murray and Trae Young.

Both players delivered statistically, but the Hawks had a losing record during their two seasons together and made only one playoff appearance, losing in the first round.

Still, Murray was a desirable trade target during the offseason after he averaged a career-best 22.5 points per game last season to go along with 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 three-pointers made and 1.4 steals.

Murray made a positive first impression with the Pelicans by nearly recording a triple-double against the Bulls, as he finished with 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in 30 minutes.

While Murray is out, the likes of CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram figure to be the Pelicans' go-to guys on the offensive end.

In terms of who will start in Murray's place, point guard Jose Alvarado is the leading candidate since he has played a significant role with the team for the past three seasons and is strong defensively, averaging 1.2 steals per game for his career.

New Orleans Pelicans star guard Dejounte Murray suffered a fractured left hand during Wednesday's season-opening win against the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Murray is expected to miss "an extended period of time," Charania added.

Tests confirm a fractured left hand for Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray, sources tell ESPN. Murray is now sidelined for an extended period of time. https://t.co/9XiJPg0ukZ

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 24, 2024

Murray posted 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in the 123-111 victory.

Murray, 28, was New Orleans' major offseason acquisition, as the team sent a pair of first-round picks and Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr. and E.J. Liddell to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the veteran point guard.

It was a far more modest return than Atlanta sent to the San Antonio Spurs (four first-rounders and Danilo Gallinari) to acquire Murray back in 2022.

The Trae Young and Murray backcourt never fully jelled, though the latter did average a career-high 22.5 points per game last season and made 201 threes, also a career high. But with Young handling primary ball-handling duties, Murray seemed slightly miscast as an off-ball guard when they shared the court.

The addition of Murray gave the Pelicans a true point guard to pair with C.J. McCollum and rounded out a strong core group of that pair alongside Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones. While there were some question marks about whether there would be enough of the proverbial basketballs to go around, the Pelicans had undoubtedly accumulated a talented core.

Now, however, the Pelicans will be without Murray for a significant period of time, costing the team's top four players the chance to build chemistry. And given Williamson's own history of missing time, the team is another injury away from being severely depleted.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced star forward Zion Williamson will miss their opener Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls with an illness.

Head coach Willie Green said Tuesday that Williamson's status would be a game-time decision after the illness had kept him out of practice.

The two-time All-Star was forced to exit the Pels' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in last year's play-in tournament with a left hamstring strain. While it's a little too reductive to say his injury altered the outcome of the game, New Orleans might've been able to come out on top if Williamson had played the final three minutes.

Los Angeles simply had no answer for the 6'6" powerhouse, who finished with 40 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

The hamstring injury was a microcosm of Williamson's NBA career.

The 23-year-old was limited to 114 appearances through his first four seasons — missing the 2021-22 campaign altogether — and he finally seemed to be turning a corner health-wise. He logged 70 appearances in 2023-24, averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

Then Williamson delivered a performance against the Lakers that reminded fans why he was such a heavily hyped prospect coming out of college, only for a seemingly innocuous moment in the game to knock him out of action.

The Pelicans wound up advancing to the playoffs without Zion but got swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. They'll hope they can avoid a similar fate in 2024-25 because the offseason acquisition of Dejounte Murray pointed to their lofty ambitions.