Dejounte Murray

Dejounte Dashaun Murray Bio

Dejounte Dashaun Murray is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He plays the point guard position and stands 6 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds. Murray was born on September 19, 1996, in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in the South End neighborhood of the city. He played one season of college basketball for the Washington Huskies before entering the NBA draft in 2016. Selected 29th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2016 NBA draft, Murray has since established himself as one of the league’s most versatile guards. In 2022, he earned his first NBA All-Star selection and led the league in steals that season. He is the San Antonio Spurs’ franchise leader in career triple-doubles. Murray has also represented the Atlanta Hawks before joining the Pelicans in 2024.

Early Life and Background

Murray grew up in the impoverished South End area of Seattle, Washington. His upbringing was marked by significant challenges, including exposure to gun and drug violence, homelessness, and parental incarceration. Prior to beginning high school, Murray spent time in juvenile detention, which shaped his early perspective on life. Despite these difficulties, basketball emerged as an outlet and eventually became his path toward a professional career.

Murray attended Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, a program with a strong basketball tradition that has produced several NBA players including Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, and Kevin Porter Jr. NBA veteran Jamal Crawford specifically encouraged Murray to take basketball seriously and pursue the sport at a higher level. Under this guidance and the structured environment of the high school program, Murray began to focus his considerable athletic abilities on basketball.

Path to Professional Basketball

At Rainier Beach High School, Murray developed into a highly decorated recruit. He led the Vikings to three Class 3A state championship titles during his high school career. His outstanding performance earned him numerous accolades, including Washington Mr. Basketball by the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association and The Seattle Times State Player of the Year. He was also named a fourth-team Parade All-American in 2015. These honors positioned him as one of the top prospects in the country entering college.

Murray chose to play for the University of Washington, joining the Washington Huskies for the 2015-16 season. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, starting all 34 games and averaging 16.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. His all-around performance earned him second-team All-Pac-12 honors and Pac-12 All-Freshman Team recognition. Following his standout freshman campaign, Murray declared for the NBA draft on March 23, 2016, forgoing his remaining college eligibility to pursue a professional career.

Dejounte Dashaun Murray Career

San Antonio Spurs (2016–2022)

Murray was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 29th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. He joined the Spurs for the 2016 NBA Summer League and signed his rookie-scale contract on July 14, 2016. Murray made his NBA debut on October 29, 2016, recording two rebounds and one assist in nearly nine minutes off the bench during a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Throughout his rookie season, he appeared in multiple games with the Austin Spurs of the NBA Development League while continuing to develop his skills with the main roster.

His most significant moment of the 2016-17 season came during the playoffs. With veteran point guard Tony Parker out for the rest of the postseason with a leg injury, Murray was thrust into the starting lineup for Game 3 of the Spurs’ second-round series against the Houston Rockets. He responded with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in Game 6 to help clinch the series. He became just the fourth rookie in Spurs history to record a point-rebound double-double in a playoff game, joining legends David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Kawhi Leonard.

Breakthrough and All-Defensive Honors (2017–2018)

Murray’s second season with the Spurs saw him earn a permanent spot in the starting lineup. In the season opener on October 18, 2017, he recorded 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists while starting in place of Parker. On March 19, 2018, Murray set the franchise record for rebounds in a season by a point guard, reaching 385 rebounds in 1,436 minutes and surpassing Johnny Moore’s record of 378 rebounds achieved in 2,689 minutes.

During Game 4 of the Spurs’ first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, Murray made history by going 3-for-3 on three-pointers in the first half, becoming the first Spurs player since Steve Kerr in 2003 to make at least three three-pointers without a miss in a playoff half. At the conclusion of the 2017-18 season, Murray earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors, becoming the youngest player in NBA history at that time to receive All-Defense recognition.

Injury and Recovery (2018–2019)

On October 7, 2018, Murray suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament during a preseason game against the Houston Rockets. This devastating injury forced him to miss the entire 2018-19 season, a significant setback in his early career. The recovery process required extensive rehabilitation and patience as he worked to return to full strength.

Return and All-Star Selection (2019–2022)

Murray returned to action in the 2019-20 season following his recovery. In October 2019, he signed a four-year contract extension worth approximately $64 million with the Spurs, reflecting the team’s confidence in his long-term potential. On December 26, 2020, Murray recorded his first career triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the Toronto Raptors. On February 8, 2021, he posted 27 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high eight steals in a victory over the Warriors.

His breakout season came in 2021-22. On February 7, 2022, Murray was named to his first NBA All-Star team as an injury replacement for Draymond Green. Remarkably, in a game against the Pelicans on February 13, 2022, Murray became the first player in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and no more than one turnover in consecutive games since individual turnovers were first tracked in 1977-78. He finished second in voting for the Most Improved Player award that season and led the NBA in steals, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier two-way players.

Atlanta Hawks (2022–2024)

On June 30, 2022, Murray was traded to the Atlanta Hawks along with Jock Landale in exchange for Danilo Gallinari and multiple future first-round draft picks. He made his Hawks debut on October 19, 2022, recording 20 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, and five steals in a win over the Houston Rockets. Murray quickly developed a formidable partnership with star guard Trae Young, forming one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA.

Throughout the 2022-23 season, Murray continued to elevate his game. On November 2, 2022, he recorded a then-career-high 36 points against the New York Knicks. On November 5, 2022, he recorded his first triple-double with the Hawks with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in an overtime win against his former team, the Pelicans. On January 30, 2023, Murray scored a then career-high 40 points against the Portland Trail Blazers while recording zero turnovers in the game. He followed this with a 41-point performance on March 3, 2023.

In the Hawks’ first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, Murray put up 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists in Game 3, joining Trae Young as the first pair of Hawks teammates to each record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a playoff game since Lenny Wilkens and Bill Bridges in 1966. On July 9, 2023, Murray signed a four-year, $120 million extension through the 2027-28 season, solidifying his status as a franchise cornerstone.

During the 2023-24 season, Murray continued his high level of play. On October 30, 2023, he tied his career-high with 41 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He delivered multiple clutch performances, including a game-winning three-pointer against the Orlando Magic on November 9, 2023, a buzzer-beating shot against the Magic on January 17, 2024, and another game-winning shot against the Miami Heat on January 19, 2024. On March 28, 2024, Murray scored a career-high 44 points, including a game-winning mid-range jumper in an overtime victory over the Boston Celtics.

New Orleans Pelicans (2024–Present)

On July 6, 2024, Murray was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, and two future first-round draft picks. He made 31 starts for the Pelicans during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. His integration into the Pelicans’ system showed promise as he continued his all-around versatile style of play.

However, the season took a dramatic turn on January 31, 2025, when Murray sustained a non-contact leg injury in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics. He was helped to the locker room and later diagnosed with a torn right Achilles tendon, ending his 2024-25 season abruptly. This injury occurred just two seasons after his previous major injury, the torn ACL in 2018.

Murray made his return from injury on February 24, 2026, recording 13 points, three assists, and two rebounds in a win over the Golden State Warriors. His return demonstrated his resilience and determination to continue his NBA career following another significant injury setback.

Playing Style and Strengths

Murray is known for his versatile two-way style of play that combines defensive prowess with offensive versatility. His greatest strength lies in his ability to impact both ends of the court equally. As a point guard, he possesses exceptional playmaking skills and court vision, consistently finding open teammates and creating scoring opportunities. His defensive capabilities are particularly notable, as evidenced by his NBA steals leader title in 2022 and All-Defensive Second Team selection in 2018. Murray’s ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his size for a point guard, makes him a disruptive force on the defensive end. Offensively, he has developed into a reliable scorer and three-point shooter, capable of taking over games with his scoring outbursts. His basketball IQ and competitive nature allow him to make clutch plays in crucial moments.

Notable Events and Milestones

Throughout his career, Murray has achieved numerous milestones that underscore his impact on the NBA. Becoming the San Antonio Spurs’ franchise leader in career triple-doubles represents one of his most significant accomplishments. His historic back-to-back performances in February 2022, when he became the first player since individual turnovers were tracked to record 30 points, 10 rebounds, and one or fewer turnovers in consecutive games, showcased his unique combination of scoring efficiency and ball security. His playoff performances, including his 2017 rookie playoff run when he became just the fourth Spurs rookie to record a point-rebound double-double in a postseason game, demonstrated his ability to elevate his play when the stakes were highest.

Dejounte Dashaun Murray Career Wins

Across his NBA career spanning from 2016 to the present, Murray has accumulated impressive individual statistics and achievements. His career highlights include championship-level team success during his time with the Spurs, highlighted by deep playoff runs and Western Conference Finals appearances. His individual accomplishments span multiple seasons and include statistical achievements, All-Star selections, and All-Defensive honors.

Major Achievements

Murray’s career is highlighted by his 2022 NBA All-Star selection, which recognized his status as one of the league’s top players. That same season, he led the NBA in steals, becoming the league’s top defender in the category. His 2018 NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection made him the youngest player in NBA history to earn All-Defense honors at that time. His career-high 44 points scored against the Boston Celtics on March 28, 2024, stands as one of the most impressive individual performances of his career, coming in an overtime victory over a contending team.

Statistical Milestones

Murray’s statistical profile showcases his all-around game and consistency throughout his career. He has recorded multiple triple-doubles across his time with the Spurs and Hawks, establishing himself as one of the most versatile point guards in the league. His career-high eight steals in a single game against the Warriors in February 2021 demonstrated his defensive impact. His franchise record for rebounds in a season by a point guard with the Spurs highlights his unique combination of size, athleticism, and basketball instincts at the position.

Dejounte Dashaun Murray Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Murray grew up facing significant adversity in Seattle’s South End neighborhood. His upbringing was complicated by exposure to violence, homelessness, and family instability including parental incarceration. These challenging circumstances shaped his early years before he found focus and direction through basketball. Despite these difficulties, Murray has spoken about using his platform and success to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Personal Life

Murray has two daughters. His oldest daughter, Riley, was born in 2019, and his younger daughter, Icelynn, was born in 2023. Murray frequently shares moments with his daughters on social media, demonstrating his commitment to fatherhood despite his demanding professional career. He has expressed the importance of being present in his children’s lives and serving as a positive role model for them. As a professional athlete balancing a grueling NBA schedule with family responsibilities, Murray prioritizes maintaining strong connections with his children during the offseason and throughout the year.

2025 Season Performance

During the 2024-25 NBA season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Murray demonstrated his continued growth as an all-around playmaker. Through 31 starts, he averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, showing the versatile statistical profile that has defined his career. His integration with the Pelicans’ young core, which included players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, showed promise for the team’s competitive future. The partnership between Murray and the team’s young stars represented an exciting blend of veteran experience and youthful athleticism.

The 2024-25 season came to an abrupt end for Murray on January 31, 2025, when he suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a game against the Boston Celtics. This devastating injury occurred in a non-contact situation, a common mechanism for this particular injury. The torn Achilles required season-ending surgery and extensive rehabilitation, marking the second major injury of his career following his torn ACL in 2018. The Pelicans’ season outlook shifted dramatically following Murray’s injury, as the team lost a crucial piece of their core rotation for the remainder of the campaign.

Despite the setback, Murray’s career trajectory remains positive given his successful return from a previous major injury. His resilience demonstrated through his 2019 comeback from the torn ACL, when he returned to earn All-Star and All-Defensive honors, provides a blueprint for his expected recovery. His determination and work ethic have been hallmarks of his career, and these qualities will be essential as he prepares for his return to the court. The Pelicans organization and their fanbase have expressed support for Murray throughout his recovery process.