3 Pelicans that earned untouchable status, 3 that should be cut loose
By Tyler Watts
New Orleans Pelicans that earned untouchable status: 1. Trey Murphy III
Murphy III had a breakout second season that should make him a key piece of the Pelicans’ young core moving forward. Of their top seven in minutes per game, only CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas are over 25 years old. New Orleans could be building something special, but they need health and a bit of luck to unlock it.
Murphy III averaged just 13.9 minutes per game as a rookie, as he shot under 40 percent from the field. The 6’9 wing’s potential was clear, but he need time to develop. It only took one offseason as Murphy III averaged 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 31.0 minutes per game while shooting 48.4 percent from the field, 40.5 percent on his threes, and 90.5 percent from the free throw line in year two.
Murphy has a blossoming offensive game and the ability to defend multiple positions on the other end of the floor. The 22-year-old still has room to grow, but every team would love a versatile 6’9 wing that can do a bit of everything on the floor.
Trey Murphy and Herbert Jones give the Pelicans a dynamic wing duo around their three stars, and New Orleans has the young talent to further upgrade their roster. Murphy should be untouchable as the Pelicans try to take the next step in the 2023-24 campaign.