Zion Williamson uses 2 words to describe new teammate Dejounte Murray
The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled to find success since drafting Zion Williamson in the 2019 NBA draft. However, the team has remained unwavering in finding the right group of players to surround Williamson as they pulled off a blockbuster trade last month to bring former All-Star Dejounte Murray.
The trade, which cost the Pelicans four rotation players and two first-round picks, will give the team the luxury of a two-way player in the backcourt who can facilitate the team and complement the uber-athletic Williamson.
Understanding Murray’s caliber, Williamson commented on the addition of the 6-foot-5 guard to the team, praising him using just two words:
“Real killa"
Murray, who was once part of the San Antonio Spurs before being shipped to the Atlanta Hawks, had a solid season last term. He averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
Despite the good numbers, the Hawks missed the playoffs as Trae Young and Murray's backcourt fit was questioned. Nevertheless, Atlanta quickly moved on with Murray, trading him to the Pelicans, whose squad lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round via sweep.
In the playoffs, the Pelicans were again without Williamson, who dealt with a left hamstring strain in the play-in tournament. The team was left with CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas and Brandon Ingram taking charge in the postseason.
Now with Murray, the Pelicans have added star power to the team, improving their ceiling for next season, regardless of how the uncertain Ingram situation plays out during the offseason.
Considering his stats, Murray can also blend well with Williamson, as he provides the bruising forward with an additional pick-and-roll partner who is also a threat offensively.
Dejounte Murray sees immense potential in his looming partnership with Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson entered the league with great hype surrounding him, as some billed him as the best prospect since LeBron James at the time. However, injuries have derailed him, costing the Pelicans playoff opportunities in the past few seasons.
As Murray enters the team, the former Hawks star wants to help Williamson realize his potential as he also pushes to be the best teammate for him.
“If I see something I think he can be better at, if he sees something to me, we’re going to be open to that… I’m excited to push him to the next level because there are a bunch of levels he can reach,” Murray said.
Murray’s remarks reflected Willamson’s goals for next season, which included winning it all for the team.
“I wanna win it all. I’d be lying if I said anything else. I want my team and myself to win it all,” Zion said.
Willamson has played four seasons in the NBA so far but has only been in action in 184 games due to various injuries in his career.