New Orleans Pelicans President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars addressed Dejounte Murray’s recent remarks during a post-draft press conference on Wednesday.
Murray criticized the franchise, citing a lack of support while dealing with personal tragedies and recovering from injury.
Dumars confirmed he spoke directly with the 28-year-old guard after the interview aired.
“He and I had a really good conversation,” Dumars said, via HoopsHype. “We talked the next morning. I asked him, ‘Tell me what’s happening,’ and we had a good, long talk. It won’t be a problem this year.”
The veteran executive took Murray’s comments seriously, initiating an internal review involving the team’s medical staff.
“I called in the medical staff and said, ‘Let’s talk about Dejounte’s interview. What part of this can we get better at?’” Dumars told reporters. “I’ve been in the league long enough to know: you don’t bury your head. You tackle it head-on.”
Murray revealed he was struggling physically and emotionally during his first season in New Orleans.
He cited multiple personal hardships, including a broken hand, his mother’s stroke, a cousin’s death, and an uncle’s overdose.
The former All-Star said it was difficult to access training, lifts, and court time while dealing with those issues.
In response, Dumars emphasized transparency and direct engagement.
“You deal with it directly. You don’t duck it. You don’t run from it,” he said. “I said, ‘Okay, Dejounte, talk to me—what’s happening?’ Then I turned to the medical staff: ‘Talk to me—what’s going on? Why is he saying this? What’s behind it?’”
Murray averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 31 starts before tearing his Achilles on January 31.
The Pelicans ended the season 21–61, ranking 14th in the Western Conference.
Dumars replaced David Griffin shortly after the season ended.
