The Atlanta Hawks traded for Dejounte Murray because he slowly turned into one of the leagueâs most promising two-way players. It took him a while, but he eventually broke out with the new-era San Antonio Spurs.
Murray had shown glimpses of outstanding defense, but his offense was still far behind schedule, especially his shooting. Also, he suffered a season-ending knee injury that kept him on the shelf for quite a long time.
So, now that heâs no longer under Gregg Popovichâs tutelage, Murray looked back on his days with the Spurs. Notably, he acknowledged that he was far from satisfied,and even claimed the team played âmind gamesâ with him.
NBA News: Dejounte Murray Says The Spurs Played Mind Games With Him
âIt was a roller coaster; I used to go home mad,â Murray told Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on âAll The Smoke.ââI had my uncle living with me, and I used to go home mad. Just from not understanding like where we come from, you wonât understand what theyâre putting you through. Iâd come to the arena, and theyâre like, âyouâre not dressing up today.â I donât even got a sports jacket.â
âThey try to give me a big *ss sports jacket. Like, âNah you can wear Pau Gasolâs sports jacket.â So for me, Iâm like, thereâs a lot being thrown at me, and I am like âI donât like this bro. Then I am going home, and I am telling unc, Iâm busting Tonyâs â[Parker] ass in practice, Patty Mills, Iâm locking him up.Just give me five minutes, seven minutes,'â Murray added.
Murray sure isnât the first player that has come out to speak against Gregg Popovichâs way, but most young players need to take some time to adjust and learn the ropes of the league before getting consistent minutes. Thatâs just the way it is.





