Dejounte Murray Q&A: 'It ain't never about proving nobody wrong. It's really just proving myself right'

Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray discussed his recovery journey with HoopsHype at New Balance’s 2026 Beantown Elite Experience, focusing on why an Achilles rehab felt more mentally challenging than his earlier ACL tear. Murray said both injuries took 12 months, but noted the Achilles phase became mentally difficult when he couldn’t do calf raises early on. He described rehab as a process to learn and enjoy, tuning out noise and maintaining consistent energy regardless of wins or losses. Murray also said he returned for the final 14 games last season, framing it as time to prove his readiness while the team still had a path toward the play-in after finishing 14th in the West.