Rumors

Cyro Asseo: New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego during pregame vs Heat said “that he isn’t sure Dejounte Murray would be back this season” but says that they should “gain clarity” in a month or so as they’ll “get him back in their building.”

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Pelicans Film Room: "There is a beautiful balance of toughness, resiliency, togetherness, pride, mixed with fun, creativity, culture. That's what I want our group to reflect. When our fans show up and watch us on TV, they go damn that looks like New Orleans to me" -- James Borrego on New Orleans

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Pelicans Film Room: "The goal was to maximize his minutes. It's a math game... I knew he was gonna respond well but for him to approach it this way in the mature, team first mentality, he deserves credit for that" -- James Borrego on Zion coming off the bench

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Jim Eichenhofer: Asked about player "buy-in" to moves like Zion Williamson coming off bench, James Borrego: "The buy-in is winning. That's the goal here. If you're about team and winning, you're willing to make moves like that. If guys are willing to sacrifice, that's a positive for our culture and team."

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Jim Eichenhofer: James Borrego today on Jordan Poole being a difference-maker for #Pelicans: "Overall, his impact on the game is tremendous. Just how he can score the ball, stretch the defense, make plays. He can go on a big roll by himself – he can turn a 2-point game into an 8-point game quickly."

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Pelicans Film Room: "I dont think anyone saw him playing these minutes... He has got a knack to get down hill that I love... Give our front office credit. They found this kid, they believed in him. He has made the most of his opportunity" -- James Borrego on Bryce McGowens

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James Borrego on this year's rookies: "It's impressive. It's a really strong class from top to bottom, tremendous depth and guys that are stepping into the moment...these don't look like rookies to me, these are guys having major impact in clutch moments...we're very fortunate to have three of them. We have three really good rookies and they're all playing and we trust them all and they're only getting better. The stock of talent is extremely high right now"

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Pelicans Film Room: "He had major impact... Our pace numbers are extremely high... When he is in there, he changes our pace immediately... He provides a different element to our offense and our defense" -- James Borrego on Karlo Matkovic

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Pelicans Film Room: "We actually put him on our staff but he is probably making more money in the player role. He'll probably take that paycheck... He has got a great way, the guys respect him... He probably does more than I even know" -- James Borrego on DeAndre Jordan

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Pelicans Film Room: "Nobody wants to be on the floor more than Zion. This guy loves the game, loves this city, wears this logo with great pride.. The bottom line is get back to work, all of us. Everyone that is available it's work time.. Nobody is feeling sorry for us" -- James Borrego on injuries

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Pelicans Film Room: "Tomorrow we'll have a day in the gym together. Lets see what [Herb] can do... We're progressing and I am hopeful we'll get him back soon... [Poole] same. We're right in that same area. We're trying to get both these guys back ASAP" -- James Borrego on Herb and Poole

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This time, Williamson sat on the bench during New Orleans’ 133-121 loss at the Los Angeles Lakers while resting his previously injured left hamstring. “It’s frustrating as a competitor. He’s a guy who loves to compete and to be out there,” Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said. “He’s most joyous and alive when you see him on the floor. He’s as exciting as any player that we have in this league.”

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Williamson has played in 30 games or fewer in four of his first six NBA seasons since the Pelicans selected him No. 1 in the 2019 NBA Draft. Williamson has become more available compared to when he missed the entire 2021-22 season to heal a surgically repaired right foot. In the 2025-26 campaign, however, Williamson has missed over half of the Pelicans games so far because of issues related to his left hamstring (10) and left foot (one). In related news, the Pelicans shoulder the league’s worst record. “It’s a mind game. It’s a mental challenge, especially when you’re hurt,” Borrego said. “How do you stay ready? How do you stay focused? How do you not doubt when everyone else is doubting? How do you not doubt and keep moving forward?”

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Fair to wonder then when the Pelicans may run out of patience with Williamson. Despite Williamson’s inconsistent availability, however, the Pelicans have become increasingly encouraged with Williamson’s approach to improving his health. It also helps that Williamson has still averaged 22.1 points on 51% shooting, 5.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 10 games. “It’s my job and our job as a staff to continue to support him, love him and grow him, be there for him,” Borrego said. “It’s a challenge, but I think he’s handled it with grace, humility and strength. He needs that to move forward.”

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