Trey Murphy

A little bit over a month ago I was playing basketball fantasy with a couple boys of mine, not
knowing who to pick up on the waiver wire. I glanced and saw Trey Murphy III pop up and just
grabbed him without any real thought. That would lead me to tune into some of his games and
oh man let me tell you this guy is LEGIT!

Not the start you would expect from me but yes I have been one of the small percentage of
people who have been watching Murphy ball out as the New Orleans Pelicans are on a
downward spiral currently in the West. With the injuries they have suffered from multiple players
this year, it’s allowed Murphy to have more opportunities. His averages have increased from
November up until now, averaging 25 a game in the month of January on 37% from 3 (9 3PA/G).
His game just looks easy, 6’8 with a guard-like handle, almost like playing 2k out there. Just
recently, against a good team in Boston, he dropped 40 points! And the next game after he goes
for 40 AGAIN in convincing fashion.

It’s been no secret how special this kid is, but given how much the Pelicans have struggled as a
whole, not a lot of attention has been gravitating their way. With the many wheelchairs needed
for this team, should Murphy stay a starter when Brandon Ingram is back? Well the answer to
that is the same answer I would give if you asked me “do fishes swim”, OF COURSE. What is
so enjoyable about Murphy’s game is how little moves he wastes. His shot has been consistent
to where you have to respect it, opening up driving lanes for himself and more space for his
team. Also very intelligent at putting the ball on the floor if needed to create, something that’s
developed a ton in his game throughout his young career.

Given that he’s arguably been the Pelicans most efficient scorer and overall player, it makes you
wonder how much more thought is given to get rid of Ingram. Personally the only thing that’s
kept Ingram from getting traded is his injuries this year. The Pelicans do have their own pick this
year so this can be a tank year to try and secure a good pick. Don’t let the record fool you
though, this team has great talent, it’s just super unfortunate how many injuries they came
across. Their last pick was Yves Missi, a 7 ‘2 Center who’s very solid defensively and an athletic
finisher. Their scout team seems to know what they’re doing so I wouldn’t be surprised if they
land another gem in next year’s draft.

Just last October, Murphy got a new extension of $112 million for 4 years to lock him in for the
Pelicans future. If they’re looking to trade Ingram or even CJ Mccollum, diving into the true
giants of the world could help exponentially, they have nobody that’s 7 feet on the team. The
offense isn’t an issue, but the defense and paint presence has really been their biggest flaw
aside from health. Just imagine Murphy developing more in the pick and roll as he begins to get
doubled and trapped more, having that extra big who can also spread the floor can help a lot as
well due to them already having a big who applies rim pressure.

Warrior fans should tune in the most, he resembles Klay Thompson a ton, with more athleticism.
I’m sure they will get flashbacks seeing him prosper while their team is mediocre (sorry for the
stray comments). So as it may be a tall task to give your attention to these Pelicans, don’t
hesitate to watch them play and see Murphy shine!!