Is this tree dead?

My friend transplanted a pyracantha without getting the rootball. Since then the leaves are dead and there are no new leaves. However minute small buds have appeared but no leaves. I remember this happened to me 2 yrs ago and I waited in vain thinking it was going to live but it didnt.
I know this sounds daft but can sap still rise and made the buds grow even if the plant has died.

 

Hello PP - one way to check whether it is alive or not is to scratch off a small piece of bark with your thumbnail - if green underneath then it is OK - it has always worked for me.............

 

When did he do it and how much of the root system did he take?

 

Are the dead leaves still attached, if so its usually a sign that the wood is dead.
It could still possibly sprout from low down near the root.