Trey Murphy III, stats a name that has gained significant recognition in the NBA, continues to make waves with his impressive performances on the basketball court. As of 2025, Murphy has solidified his place as a key player for the New Orleans Pelicans, showcasing his remarkable shooting ability, high basketball IQ, and versatility.
Early Life and College Career
Trey Murphy’s Background: From the Ivy League to the NBA
Before becoming one of the NBA’s most promising young talents, Trey Murphy III had an unconventional journey. Murphy hails from Raleigh, North Carolina, and after starting his college career at Rice University, he transferred to Virginia for his senior year. His time at Virginia under head coach Tony Bennett was pivotal in developing the skills that would make him an NBA prospect.
Murphy’s college stats were impressive, especially in his final season at Virginia, where he averaged 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, with an astounding 43.3% shooting from three-point range. This shot-making ability, combined with his defensive capabilities, made him an appealing prospect for NBA teams, and he was selected 17th overall by the Pelicans in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Trey Murphy’s NBA Journey
Draft and Rookie Year
Murphy’s rookie season (2021-2022) with the New Orleans Pelicans was an eye-opening one. While his role on the team initially revolved around finding his rhythm and adjusting to the speed of the NBA, he quickly proved that his shooting ability and defense were elite. Murphy started showing flashes of his potential, especially as a three-and-D player, capable of contributing both offensively and defensively.
By the end of his first season, Murphy had established himself as a reliable wing player for the Pelicans. He averaged 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, shooting 38.3% from three. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots, particularly from beyond the arc, made him a valuable asset for the Pelicans as they looked to build around stars like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.
Trey Murphy’s Development and Key Stats in 2023-2025
Rising to Prominence: 2023-2025 Season
By the 2023-2024 season, Trey Murphy had taken his game to the next level. His role with the Pelicans expanded significantly as he started to become a crucial part of their rotation. The 2024-2025 season has seen him further develop as an offensive and defensive force, particularly with his elite shooting, improving his ball-handling, and his ability to defend multiple positions on the floor.
Trey Murphy’s Key Stats (2023-2025)
Points per game (2024-2025): 17.3 PPG – Murphy has averaged more than 17 points per game this season, showcasing his growth as a scorer.
Rebounds per game (2024-2025): 5.2 RPG – His rebounding numbers have also seen an uptick, contributing significantly to the Pelicans’ efforts on both ends of the court.
Assists per game (2024-2025): 2.5 APG – While not primarily known for his playmaking, Murphy’s vision has improved, and he’s showing more willingness to distribute the ball.
Three-point percentage (2024-2025): 42.1% – His three-point shooting continues to be elite, making him a constant threat on the perimeter.
Field goal percentage (2024-2025): 48.6% – His overall efficiency has improved, helping him become a more well-rounded player.
Defensive stats: Murphy’s 1.2 steals per game (2024-2025) and ability to guard multiple positions have made him an integral part of the Pelicans’ defensive schemes.
Murphy’s development in the 2023-2025 seasons demonstrates his ability to adapt and grow. His increased role on offense, combined with his sharp shooting and improved defense, have made him a standout player for the Pelican.
Trey Murphy’s Role on the New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans’ Building Block
With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram often dealing with injuries and other challenges, Murphy has become a steady and reliable presence for the Pelicans. His ability to contribute in a variety of ways has helped the Pelicans remain competitive in the Western Conference.
Murphy’s role as a three-and-D wing has been vital in the Pelicans’ offensive and defensive systems. His ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting gives teammates like Zion Williamson more room to operate inside, while his defensive versatility allows him to guard opposing wings and forwards with ease. This makes him a critical piece in the Pelicans’ long-term plans.
Trey Murphy’s Impact on the Court in 2025
Offensive Evolution
As of 2025, Trey Murphy’s offensive game has evolved, and he is now seen as a primary scoring option for the Pelicans. His outside shooting has been particularly lethal, and he has shown improvements in scoring off the dribble and finishing at the rim. He has also become more adept at running pick-and-rolls and is often utilized as a secondary playmaker in certain lineups.
His combination of athleticism, length, and shooting ability makes him an ideal fit in the modern NBA, where wings that can shoot and defend are highly valued. His shooting splits have been among the best in the league, and his ability to create his own shot off the bounce is becoming a more prominent part of his game.
Defensive Improvements
Murphy’s defense is another area in which he has made significant strides. In 2025, he is now considered one of the more versatile defenders on the Pelicans’ roster. Standing at 6’9″, Murphy has the length and agility to guard multiple positions. His defensive metrics have improved, and he regularly matches up against opposing team’s best perimeter players.
His defensive prowess, combined with his shooting and rebounding, has made him a potential future two-way star for the Pelicans. Murphy has proven to be a reliable option on the wing, and his ability to lock down opponents while contributing on offense has been crucial in several of the Pelicans’ wins this season.
Comparing Trey Murphy to Other Young Stars in the NBA
Trey Murphy vs. Other Rising Wings
Trey Murphy’s game is often compared to other young, dynamic wings in the NBA. Players like Matisse Thybulle, Desmond Bane, Jaden Ivey, and Anfernee Simons have similar skill sets in terms of shooting and defensive ability. However, Murphy’s combination of size, shooting range, and defensive versatility sets him apart from many of his peers.
When comparing Murphy’s development in the 2023-2025 seasons to other rising wings, it’s clear that his shooting efficiency and defense make him one of the most exciting young players to watch. In terms of statistical development, he is among the best in terms of shooting percentage, points per game, and versatility on the defensive end.
Trey Murphy’s Future in the NBA
What’s Next for Trey Murphy?
Looking ahead to the next few seasons, Trey Murphy has the potential to become an All-Star caliber player. His continued growth as a shooter and defender, combined with his expanding offensive role, suggests that he will continue to make significant strides. If he can stay healthy and maintain his level of play, Murphy could become one of the premier wing players in the league by 2027.
Key Areas of Focus for Improvement
Playmaking: While Murphy has shown the ability to distribute the ball, improving his playmaking could help him evolve into a more well-rounded offensive player.
Consistency: While his shooting numbers are excellent, maintaining high efficiency over the course of an 82-game season will be key to his future success.
With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram around him, Murphy’s role in the Pelicans’ offense will continue to evolve. His future looks incredibly bright, and with the right development, he could soon be considered one of the top players in the league
Final Thoughts
As of 2025, Trey Murphy is quickly becoming one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. His combination of elite shooting, defensive versatility, and growing offensive game has made him a standout for the New Orleans Pelicans. With his potential continuing to unfold, Murphy is well on his way to becoming a key player for the Pelicans for years to come. Fans can expect his stats to keep improving, and with each game, Trey Murphy is proving why he’s one of the most promising players of his generation.
FAQs
What is Trey Murphy’s role with the New Orleans Pelicans?
Trey Murphy plays a crucial role as a three-and-D wing player for the New Orleans Pelicans. He contributes offensively by spacing the floor with his shooting and defensively by guarding multiple positions. His versatility allows him to fit into different lineups, and he has become a key part of the Pelicans’ rotation.
How did Trey Murphy perform in his rookie year (2021-2022)?
In his rookie season, Trey Murphy showed flashes of his potential. He averaged 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, shooting 38.3% from three-point range. His ability to shoot from the outside and defend was key in earning consistent playing time and establishing himself as a promising young player for the Pelicans.
What is Trey Murphy known for in his playing style?
Trey Murphy is known for his elite three-point shooting, especially his ability to hit shots from long range with great efficiency. He is also a versatile defender with the ability to guard multiple positions, and his height and wingspan give him an advantage on the defensive end. Murphy is becoming known for his well-rounded game, including improving his ball-handling and finishing at the rim.
To read more, Click Here
