New Orleans Pelicans have another budding star in Trey Murphy III

Trey Murphy III is looking like another potential budding star for the New Orleans Pelicans. 

In only his second season in the NBA, Trey Murphy III has definitely proven that he belongs in the league. He has taken advantage of the opportunities for more playing time due to the multiple injuries to key players on the roster as he has filled in admirably.

Murphy has been the New Orleans Pelicans‘ top performer on numerous occasions as he just recently posted a career-high 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers just a few weeks ago. His latest accolade was connecting on 10 3-pointers against the LA Clippers as he became the youngest player in NBA history to do so.

Trey Murphy has evolved into a vital player for the New Orleans Pelicans

Murphy has become a key player who the Pelicans can depend on as they often run him through pin-downs and stagger screens allowing him to get open. He has a very quick release on his jump shot and has a fluid motion with a high ac which makes his shot difficult for opponents to block. He rarely takes bad shots and is very efficient.

Murphy is shooting a scorching 48 percent from the field and is making 41 percent of his 3-point attempts and is ranked in the top 25 for 3-point field goals made. He is truly developing into a complete basketball player and his game is not as predictable as it was when he first entered the league. Murphy now plays with more aggression taking the ball to the rim often ending in highlight reel slams over opponents.

It also wouldn’t hurt for him to add a little muscle to his frame and also get stronger as it would benefit him making a difficult guard for defenders. Murphy is also an excellent free throw shooter and has the 5th best percentage in the NBA at 90.8 percent. He only averages two attempts per game but as his minutes increase, so should his trips to the charity stripe.

Murphy’s hard work has begun to pay off for him as his growth and improvement are no fluke. He has more confidence, plays with composure and his on-ball defense has gotten better. He stays locked in on defense with good positioning and takes good angles. He knows how to bait opponents into turnovers and has good awareness as a help defender.

Teams will always covet wings who know and understand their role, who can shoot as well as defend and Murphy can indeed shoot it with the best of them. He will really have an opportunity to thrive whenever Zion Williamson returns to the lineup. With the attention he will command, Williamson’s presence on the floor alone will mean more open shots for Murphy and others.

When Brandon Ingram was asked in a recent postgame press conference, “how proud are you of Murphy” and the special bond that they share both being residents of North Carolina, he responded by saying:

"” I just see his confidence keep going up and up. I just want to be there for him every time he’s down and continue to push him when he’s up. He’s the best shooter on the team and we need him to continue to shoot but also just continue to be him. Continue to be comfortable on the floor and making plays on the defensive end as well as on the offensive end. He’s been really solid and I’m extremely happy for him.”"

As of right now, the Pelicans are on the borderline between clinching the 6th seed, making the Play-In Tournament, or missing the postseason entirely. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games and are currently on a 4-game winning streak in which Murphy is averaging 20.5 points per game. Hopefully, Murphy continues his stellar play for the rest of the regular season and can carry that into the playoffs.