Trey Murphy III: The NBA’s Breakout Star on the Rise

Trey Murphy is in the running for Most Improved Player. Murphy is averaging a career-high 21.5 points per game, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists. In the month of January, Murphy is averaging 25 points. Murphy set the New Orleans Pelicans franchise record for consecutive free throws made, making 51 in a row.

Murphy has made strides on both ends of the floor. He’s attacking closeouts when defenders close out to him. He’s drawn more defensive attention when Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are unavailable to play. Murphy can hit floaters, teardrops, and push shots when he gets into the lane.

On the defensive end, he’s improved as a weak-side defender. Murphy has shown he can slide over to help protect the rim. He’s solid at fighting over screens to stay in front of the basketball. Murphy can slide his feet on defense, chop his steps to prevent drives, and dribble pickups. Murphy’s improvement on both ends of the floor and on the stat sheet put him in the ballots for Most Improved Player.