New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego loves the way that Dejounte Murray’s playing/approaching each day (averaging 16.0 PPG/5.3 RPG/5.3 APG/1.8 SPG/47.1% FG/26.9% 3-PT/89.3% FT/25.7 MPG/+2.2 +/- in 6 starts since returning from a ruptured right Achilles tendon).
(via New Orleans Pelicans):
“He’s playing freely. Dejounte’s been an All-Star. He’s had significant years. But what I can say is to me, it’s more the mindset where he’s at: a mindset of gratitude. Like, ‘It was taken away from me, and here I am.’ The gratitude to be back on the floor, to play the game that he loves. I think there was so much even outside basketball that was going on last year. For him just to settle his feet now, be with his teammates, be in the city, embrace the city, and to be back on the floor doing what he loves… I think I’m not gonna speak for him, but mentally, it’s the best I’ve ever seen him.
“You know, when I was around him early, he was a rookie and there was a lot going on. It was Pop (Gregg Popovich) on his tail every single day with Tony Parker. When I was around him early in his career, he’s a much younger player. He’s matured, obviously, over the years. He’s a wonderful human being and a lot of things happened last year, but he looks to me like he’s free. There’s that resiliency, but a spirit of gratitude that I get to do this. And there’s nothing like that when we embrace our jobs that way. I’m just really happy for him.”
