The New Orleans Pelicans have assembled a more than competitive team with a solid mix of rising young stars and NBA veterans.
As the season approaches, the Pelicans are hoping the organization has found a recipe for success. Additionally, one of the keys to the team’s success could be preparing for take another jump.
“Assuming Brandon Ingram is ultimately traded, (Trey) Murphy should take over the New Orleans Pelicans’ starting lineup and increase his 29.6 minutes per game average from last year,” Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes wrote.
“If he plays more often alongside the starters, it means that defenses will not be able to give him as much attention as a peripheral threat or a secondary attacker.”
“That dynamic could allow Murphy, who did a hell of a job last year en route to 14.8 points per game, to produce another set of highlights that will draw attention.”
Murphy was selected 17th overall in the 2021 NBA draft before being traded to the Pelicans.
The Virginia alum has become a solid rotation player for New Orleans and has shown flashes that he’s more than just a role player.
As the team considers parting ways with Ingram, it could pave the way for Murphy to improve even more. Either way, the forward will have a big role to play on the team next season.
If all goes well for the ACC product, he could be an underdog for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
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