Orleans Pelicans unused shield Dejounte Murray suffered a broken left hand during Wednesday night’s season-opening win over the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. He is expected to be sidelined for “an extended period of time.”
The upset seemed to occur with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter when Murray made his Pelicans debut. The former All-Big hit a team-leading three-pointer through 12, but it was contested by Zach LaVine and he suffered a withered fall.
The Pelicans played Wednesday’s game shorthanded. Zion Williamson was out with a weakness and Trey Murphy sat out the game as he appeared with hamstring tightness. The unused Orleans overcame those absences to partially beat the Bulls 123-111 as Murray gave them 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.
The Pelicans landed Murray in an offseason deal with the Atlanta Hawks. In that trade, they gave up two key reserves: Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels. Creation centre-back Jonas Valanciunas also left in isolated company, as did key wing Naji Marshall. The Pelicans consciously sacrificed intensity to have a heavier roster this season. That plan can work if the players at the top of the roster stay healthy, but so far this short season, the Pelicans have struggled on that front.
The timeline for regressing after a cracked hand varies depending on the actual nature of the impact. At this level, it’s unclear how long the Pelicans could go without their point-of-origin shield. It seems that overall it was a long and pleasant absence. And given the absences they are already suffering, they will want it again when possible.
