Why Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray is ready for leadership role despite injury setback

The tax-averse New Orleans Pelicans have spent the better part of two seasons waiting for Dejounte Murray to become the steadying presence they envisioned when acquiring the former All-Star. Injuries have repeatedly interrupted those plans, preventing the point guard from establishing the chemistry needed with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and the rest of a relatively young roster still searching for consistency. Another setback this preseason has only complicated matters, but Murray believes his value to Jamahl Mosley’s rebuilding efforts go beyond the statsheet.