What will the Pelicans do now that Dejounte Murray will miss games? | Pelicans

Jose Alvarado said it best when asked about Dejounte Murray's hand injury on Thursday.

“It sucks,” Alvarado said.

Murray, whom the Pelicans acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks this offseason, broke his left hand in the fourth quarter of Wednesday night's season-opening win over the Chicago Bulls. In his first game with the Pelicans, he scored a total of 14 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds, but is now out indefinitely. Green wasn't sure if the injury would require surgery.

“We’re getting these opinions right now as we speak,” Green said. “We will have more information about next steps. But we know he will be out for some time.”

Dealing with injuries is nothing new for Green in his fourth season. Both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have battled a number of injuries since Green took over.

“We hate to see our guys go down,” Green said. “I hate it for Dejounte and our group. We're just getting started, just getting started. But at the same time, we understand that in this league and in life, you're going to face adversity. The good thing about it.” Isn't it a long-term injury that will keep him out for an entire season?

More good news for the Pelicans is that Williamson returned to practice on Thursday after missing the season opener due to illness. He will be able to play his important Zion role and lead the offense. They will also count on guys like CJ McCollum and Ingram. It also means more minutes for Alvarado.

“Jose has to stand up for us,” Green said. “We all love Jose and we know he gives it his all every night and we know he’s going to get right to work and get it done for us.”

The Pelicans (1-0) next game is Friday at the Portland Trail Blazers. They play the Blazers again on Sunday and then back-to-back games at the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Murray played 78 games for the Hawks last season. In his second NBA season, he played 81 games for the San Antonio Spurs. So he's a player who hates missing games.

“It’s tough for him,” Green said. “He’s a competitor. He wants to be out here playing with his teammates. We were all excited to get this group together on the floor. You have seen – all of us – a taste of what is to come. As hard as it is – in life, in sports, or whatever industry you're in – you're going to have some moments like this where there's a bit of adversity.

Green finds even more confidence after getting good minutes in the opening game from backup players like Jordan Hawkins (13 points) and Javonte Green (9 points).

“Those guys were excellent,” Green said. “They came in, followed the game plan and played with determination and toughness. That’s what it’s going to take.”

Now they simply have to do without perhaps their bravest player.

“We know how good we will be with Dejounte,” Alvarado said. “(The news) didn’t hit us well. But he is in great spirits. Basketball stuff happens and that's the worst part. We just have to hold the fort until he comes back.”