New Orleans Pelicans: 3 reasons Trey Murphy III will thrive in New Orleans

The New Orleans Pelicans added Trey Murphy III with the 17th pick in the NBA Draft, a pick that many are calling a home run for the Pelicans.

The Pelicans entered the offseason with some glaring holes that needed fixing and are hoping their two draft picks can be part of the solution.

After enduring weeks of rumors about Zion Williamson‘s camp being unhappy with the Pelicans, David Griffin is trying desperately to find the right combination of players to put around him.

This led to a trade of Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe to Memphis, a move to clear cap space that cost the Pelicans seven spots in the NBA Draft.

But the NBA Draft may have worked out for them anyway, as the Pels were able to nab a guy in Trey Murphy III who should thrive in New Orleans.

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Trey Murphy III should have an instant role

Unlike last year’s top pick Kira Lewis Jr., Trey Murphy III should have a role with the New Orleans Pelicans right away.

Lewis Jr. ended up with the Pelicans because there was no G-League and injuries forced him into backup minutes, so he got some key developmental time as a rookie.

With very little wing depth to speak of and a need for shooting and defense, Murphy III should have a role off the bench right away as a backup and complement to Brandon Ingram at forward.

Murphy III can also play some shooting guard, and that versatility should ensure that he gets minutes right away, especially if he shows he can consistently knock down the NBA 3-point shot, something he should get a lot of.