Over the course of the NBA offseason, the New Orleans Pelicans have faced intense criticism from numerous members of the NBA media. No one launched a bigger attack on the Pelicans than Bill Simmons did earlier this summer with his comments about the team being moved out of New Orleans. Simmons stated that he felt there was a lack of fan base and that the Pelicans wouldn’t really be missed if they left the Big Easy.
Despite this disrespect from a veteran journalist like Simmons, he may have just gotten back in fans' good graces with comments he made about Trey Murphy III.
In a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Lowe brought on Simmons to talk about predictions for the 2028 USA Men's Olympic basketball team. During this segment, Simmons had his fair share of bold takes, no take more daring than his guarantee that current Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel would be on the team.
Outside of his bold takes and wacky predictions, one player Simmons did bring up was Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III. He feels like, despite Murphy being really good right now, the sky's the limit for him.
"I'm betting on the upside," Simmons said. "I think he's going to keep improving year after year. I think he's one of the most underrated assets in the league."
Simmons continued by comparing his potential impact for Team USA to that of all-time greats. "I just think that's the kind of guy you have to have," he said. "He's almost in the Carmelo (Anthony), (Kevin) Durant role, just start firing 25-footers and you're going to change the defense."
Of course, Simmons couldn’t leave a mention of Murphy without throwing some shade at the Pelicans, saying that Murphy is in “the stupidest situation basketball wise”. But honestly, let's not focus on that; instead, let's focus on the high praise one of New Orleans' sports bright young stars received.
What could Murphy making Team USA mean for the Pelicans?
Obviously, 2028 is still a ways away, and we know how quickly the NBA can change, with free agency and with how crazy the trade market gets. That being said, assuming Murphy, who is under contract until 2029, remains in New Orleans and makes Team USA, this likely means the Pelicans are one of the Western Conference's biggest contenders.
Trey’s averages of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game are good but may not be good enough to make an Olympic team. However, a step up to 24-25 points per game could do that and make Simmons' prediction come true. That type of step would also create a 1A/1B situation between Zion Williamson and Murphy, giving the Pelicans one of the best duos in the league.
We already know that the core of Murphy, Williamson, Herb Jones, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears is going to be special for years to come. But if Simmons' prediction of Murphy making Team USA becomes true, this group's ceiling is only going to get higher.