Indiana Pacers franchise guard Tyrese Haliburton is the latest player to comment on the return of All-NBA wing Jayson Tatum after missing nearly a year following a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Dejounte Murray Sends Encouragement To Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton is set to miss the rest of the season. Tatum provides motivation, as does New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray, who is back in action following a ruptured Achilles tendon. Haliburton posted his thoughts on Tatum, and Murray responded by sending Haliburton a public message.
Murray responded to Haliburton on X and offered encouragement. Murray said, “This me Waiting For You Brother!!! You Already Great And Will Be GREATER Cause You Don’t CHEAT THE GRIND!!! Let’s Go.”
This Me Waiting For You Brother!!! You Already Great And Will Be GREATER Cause You Don’t CHEAT THE GRIND!!! 🖤 Let’s Go https://t.co/GX2QaKGNqV pic.twitter.com/pEpJKp1MJP
— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) March 14, 2026
Murray returned to the court last month after missing a full year of action. The former All-Star has appeared in eight games since his return, averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 54.7% from the field. He’s also been a strong defensive presence, averaging 1.8 steals per game.
Murray scored 35 points in his most recent performance against the Houston Rockets, though it remains to be seen how much he’ll play over the regular season’s final weeks with the Pelicans out of the playoff picture.
Haliburton is likely using Murray’s strong play as a reference point that he can return and still play at similar, if not better, levels than before the Achilles injury. Tatum is also a strong reference for Haliburton. While Tatum is struggling with his shooting, he’s still been productive in three games since his return, averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per contest.
Haliburton certainly misses the game and wants to return as soon as possible. At 15-52, the Pacers have already been eliminated from playoff contention. From the moment Haliburton went down just minutes into Game Seven of last year’s NBA Finals, analysts projected that the Pacers would take a step backwards.
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Those thoughts intensified when the team lost longtime center Myles Turner in free agency last summer, as he signed with the rival Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers will be an interesting team to watch next season as Haliburton returns. Pascal Siakam has had another All-Star season and continues to be a perfect fit for the Pacers’ system under Head Coach Rick Carlisle.
Young players Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker have taken the next step with expanded roles this season. The team also acquired a replacement and potentially an upgrade over Turner at the trade deadline in Ivica Zubac. Everything starts with Haliburton having a successful return, and Murray is one of his peers whom he can lean on for support.
