The New Orleans Pelicans finally have an elite shooter
The Pelicans may have gotten the steal of the draft in Trey Murphy III, who made the first-team all Summer League and has been the Pels’ most consistent performer during the preseason.
Murphy III has shown that he can defend all over the floor, taking on everyone from centers to shooting guards, but more importantly, he has shown that he can be the shooting threat the Pelicans have lacked.
Redick was supposed to be the elite shooter last season but he was battling injuries and suddenly forgot how to shoot.
I realize it is only preseason, but it looks like Murphy III will be that guy. He hit more than 50 percent in the Summer League and has hit 15-of-26 from downtown in the preseason.
It’s not just that he is making them, but he looks completely comfortable doing it and is getting it done efficiently, barely dribbling to get his shots.
Keep in mind that he is doing this without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram on the floor, so he should get even better looks once the team is at full strength.
Having a guy who can shoot 40+ percent from long range is going to open up the Pelicans’ offense in the half court and make things a lot easier for Zion.
Forget about wins and losses in preseason, what’s important is that the Pelicans have made some fundamental changes that should benefit their stars and make them a better team.