New Orleans Pelicans: Player comparisons for the Pels’ 2 rookies
The New Orleans Pelicans have a pair of rookies in Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones who could make an impact this season.
Murphy III was one of the standouts of Summer League and ended up making the All Summer League first team.
Herbert Jones is more of a defensive specialist, a four-year college player who may have been somewhat overlooked because of his age.
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They both have qualities that fit well with Zion Williamson, but which current NBA players do they most resemble?
Let’s take a look.
New Orleans Pelicans: Herb Jones is a poor man’s Draymond Green
I already wrote about the similarities between Herbert Jones and Draymond Green, so I won’t belabor the point except to say that I am really high on Jones.
Like Green, Jones will enter the NBA as a four-year college player who doesn’t really have a position, can defend all over and has a shot that needs work.
He also has a huge wingspan and motor and I expect him to work his way into the rotation this season. If Jones can eventually end up being even close to what Draymond has been for the Warriors, then the Pels will have gotten a steal with the 35th pick just like Golden State did.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III could be the Pelicans’ Danny Green
Danny Green might not be the flashiest name for a player comparison but this guy is a multiple NBA champion who has low-key been one of the best 3-and-D players in the NBA in his career.
Green is a 40 percent 3-point shooter for his career and has also been a guy who has defended all over the court and been a key player on some very good teams.
Murphy III is taller than Green but he has some of the same qualities, as he too is projected as a 3-and-D guy who could emerge as the third scoring option for the Pelicans.
He has the chance to thrive in New Orleans in a complementary role, much like Danny Green has done everywhere he’s been.
The Pelicans should have a much more versatile and explosive team this season, especially defensively, and these two rookies will make a difference.
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