Shooting touch, offensive versatility, and elite athleticism have never been a question for Trey Murphy III. Staying healthy long enough to put everything together, however, has been a different challenge for the New Orleans Pelicans. Now, with a surgically repaired shoulder finally feeling like an afterthought rather than an obstacle, the 26-year-old is approaching the upcoming season with a renewed sense of confidence and a clearer understanding of what it will take to reach the next level with Jamahl Mosley in charge.
Murphy III posted career-highs in points (21.5), rebounds (5.7), assists (3.8), and steals (1.5) while shooting 37.9% from three-point range (47% FGA). Knowing last season was played with an almost unconscious limiter suggests this is the breakout season everyone in the Big Easy has been waiting for since Chris Paul left town.
“I mean, with any injury with me, I try not to really dwell on it too much,” Murphy III told ClutchPoints. “It’s more so just all right; whatever happened already happened. All I can do is just get better and figure out how I’m going to be back 100%.”
That pragmatic approach physically carried him through last season, but it didn’t erase the hesitation caused by mental hurdles.
“I think last year, like, I was ready and I was a little apprehensive with my shoulder,” Murphy III admitted. “But now I’m ready. My shoulder feels great, and I don’t have any problems.”
Murphy III's ‘no problems' declaration carries considerable weight. The ‘no trades' policy from the Pelicans was telling as well.
Pelicans refuse to sell
Mosley and EVP Joe Dumars have sent the message, both in text and through the trade rumor grapevine, about how important their $112 million man is to future plans. The Pelicans held firm with a ‘ridiculous' price for one of the best shooters on the planet; Murphy III understood being mentioned was a compliment from the league in a way.
It's part of the business after all. Living up to that hype means stepping up on the other end of the floor.
“(The Pelicans) have really just been preaching that I could be one of the best two-way players in the league. And that’s how I see myself as well,” stated Murphy III. “I know that there’s not a ton that are really like real-deal two-way players. So, just being able to elevate my game in that sense. Take (defense) seriously and understand this is a focal point for us. It's something that we’re going to hang our hats on.”
Thankfully, rather than spending most of the offseason trying to regain what an injury took away, Murphy III had an opportunity to enjoy life beyond basketball while preparing for what comes next.
Article Continues Below“I mean, I feel like my offseason I just try to do everything because during the season I don’t do anything at all. I just be chilling for the most part,” Murphy III explained. “I just try to explore the world. You never know what can happen during the summertime.”
“Last summer I was rehabbing for most of the summer, so I wasn’t able to do as much as I would like to do,” he added. “When I have my freedom, I just try to explore the world, go see things that I’m not able to do during the year. I went to the French Open, I went to F1 in Monaco, I went to the US Open. Like, I just try to do a bunch of different things. Have a lot of experiences because I’m all about experiences.”
As for signature shoe deals, All-Star nods, and deep postseason runs, Murphy III was deliberate about prioritization at Media Day. Those would all be new experiences, and he wants them. But only in the right order.
“Win. That’s it. You get your personal goals when you win. It doesn’t really matter what you do on the court personally if your team isn’t winning. We’ve seen that many times before; guys have averaged 25, 26, 27 and didn’t get any personal goals because their team isn’t winning. That’s what is important in this league is winning games, and that’s what I’m focused on is winning games. After that, that’s when the personal things will come into effect.”
That perspective reflects the challenge of Jamahl Mosley's first season running the Pelicans. Individual improvement of the relatively young core will matter, but only if it translates into a more disciplined, competitive, and successful on-court product. The Pelicans are betting that a healthier, more confident Murphy III can help deliver all three. The next step is turning that confidence into All-Star results the NBA cannot ignore.