Ask major leaguers about under-the-radar young players who could become stars, and Trey Murphy III’s name comes up early and often. The 6’9″ wing averaged 14.5 points per game last season in New Orleans, shot 40.6 percent from 3, and is an improving defender. On a team with bigger names, this is a player many front offices covet, and that’s no coincidence. He was invited to join the USA national team this summer (which practiced and played against Team USA before qualifying for the World Cup).
That’s why it’s bad news that Murphy went down with a damaged meniscus in Tuesday’s practice at the team’s facility. Story reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (And since it has been confirmed by others).
The severity of the injury is not yet known and Murphy is undergoing further tests.
If his knee requires surgery, Murphy will be out for several months and will miss the start of the NBA season. If he’s out, it would be a blow to a Pelicans team that needs spacing Zion Williamson And Brandon IngramAnd he was counting on Murphy’s shooting to help.
Murphy was the No. 17 pick in the 2021 draft and became a starter last year in his second season with the Pelicans. After this season, he will be eligible for an extension.