Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray are game-winning decisions | Pelicans

Two of their most important players did not take part in the New Orleans Pelicans’ last practice before the start of the regular season.

Dejounte Murray remained away from the team while he deals with a family emergency. Zion Williamson was also unable to come to practice on Tuesday due to an illness.

Murray and Williamson will both be game-time decisions against the Chicago Bulls, Pelicans coach Willie Green said.

“Welcome to the NBA,” Green said. “It’s that mentality – it’s next man up. We try not to make excuses about who is available. Every team will struggle with players coming in and out over the course of the season. So it’s really a matter for the committee.

“Everyone in our team understands what we want to achieve. Try to be as detailed as possible. And play with confidence.”

The Pelicans’ opening night starting lineup generated excitement throughout training camp. Green has not yet revealed which combination of players he will start Wednesday’s game with.

The fourth-year Pelicans coach could go small and start Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram and Williamson together, assuming everyone is available.

It’s also possible that Green finds a spot for veteran center Daniel Theis in the starting lineup. Theis started all three preseason games, although that was due to Ingram and Williamson having to sit out both parts of preseason.

Ingram is entering the final year of his contract. He is owed $36 million this season. He will be a restricted free agent next summer.

This isn’t the first time Ingram has had a contract year with the Pelicans. He completed the final year of his rookie contract with the team in 2019-20. He averaged 23.8 points per game, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season and was named an All-Star. The Pelicans gave him a five-year, $158 million contract in the summer of 2020.

“I think for me right now it’s about playing for free,” Ingram said. “Have fun playing basketball. I’m healthy and feel good to be out there playing basketball. Just play freely and have fun.”

Contract extension a “blessing”

On Monday afternoon, Trey Murphy signed a four-year contract extension worth $112 million. The 24-year-old striker had his parents come to town to celebrate the occasion with him.

“These are two of my best friends,” Murphy said. “I was definitely happy to have her there.”

Murphy, the 17th pick in the 2021 draft, has helped the Pelicans reach the playoffs twice in the last three years. As a pro, he shot 39.2% from 3-point territory on nearly six attempts per game.

Murphy has started 88 games for the Pelicans over the last two seasons. If he’s not a full-time starter in New Orleans this season, he should be soon.

“It was a blessing,” Murphy said. “I have come a very long way. When I finally signed the papers, I thought about the mornings and nights I spent at the gym. Went to the G League. It was all worth it. It’s a blessing to be able to provide for my family.”

Murphy is out with a right hamstring strain. He can now shoot and jog easily.

“I just started jogging,” Murphy said. “I’ll train a little more.” I haven’t sprinted yet. But I’m feeling pretty solid right now. It’s a delicate injury. We need to make sure we handle it carefully.”