What Happened to Trey Murphy? Latest Injury Update Could Force Pelicans to Make Early Change Before Season Opener

“I absolutely think I am a starter in the NBA… Whatever happens, I’m gonna be ok…” Trey Murphy III laid out some big expectations for himself during the Pelicans’ recent media day. Set to play his 4 season with the franchise, the player is coming off a year where he appeared in over 57 games and established himself as a key part of the roster. With just one year remaining in his rookie contract, Murphy III needs to create an even better impression during the upcoming games to secure a big contract. Unfortunately, his journey has hit a roadblock before it even began.

Earlier today, it was announced that the Pelicans small forward developed a right hamstring strain during a practice session. The update, which was first revealed by ‘The Athletic’ reporter Shams Charania, also revealed that the severity of the injury will prevent the player from suiting up for at least three weeks’ worth of games. For someone who wanted to secure a bigger role as a starter with the franchise, the injury will now push back any efforts that the 24-year-old had made to create a good impression.

According to the official update from the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III is set to be reevaluated after three weeks. Therefore, if his injury does not see the anticipated recovery, then he will be benched for an additional period. Murphy’s ailment comes less than a week before the Pelicans are scheduled to face off against the Orlando Magic as part of its first pre-season game. Fortunately, the regular season won’t commence for them until October 24. Therefore, while there is a high possibility for Murphy to miss all four of the preseason games, a swift recovery will allow him to be ready for the season opener.

This is not the first time that an injury has prevented the small forward from starting his season right from the earliest stage. Last year as well, he wasn’t able to make his season debut until December 1, since he was still in the midst of recovering from a summer knee injury. Expectations were high, as finished 7 in the NBA’s Most Improved Player vote back in 2022-23. Fortunately, he didn’t disappoint, and went on to average 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over the course of 57 games. While there was a slight dip in his shooting skills from the previous season, Murphy III still averaged 44.3% FG, 38% 3PT FG, and 81.5% from the free throw line.

His performance had created such a good impression that FanSided writer Josh Cornelissen listed the player as No. 3 on his ranking of the five potential breakout players for the upcoming season. Getting over the roadblock dropped on him now will be troublesome. Fortunately, if the player’s earlier performance has shown anything, it is that he can make a start immediately after the injury recovery. For now, it is up to the franchise to consider the next steps.

How will the main lineup be affected in the aftermath of Trey Murphy III’s injury?

One silver lining in the aftermath of Trey Murphy III’s injury is that the Pelicans won’t have to consider who to start. After all, according to ESPN, the player is only the secondary shooting guard on the team, with the primary position being held by CJ McCollum. However, given that Murphy III did start in 23 of his 57 games during the previous year, one cannot go into the season without a plan on who can take up the player’s duties. As a result, some early changes can be expected even before the season opener.

Barely a few hours after Shams Charania broke the news of the Pelicans player’s injury, Spotrac reporter Keith Smith put out his own analysis. According to him, the starting lineup for the upcoming game can consist of: Daniel Theis (or another team rookie), Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and Dejounte Murray. Williamson and Ingram already occupy the primary power forward and small forward positions on the team. However, Smith’s proposed plan shifts Daniel Theis to center instead of Yves Missi, the 24 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

In regards to CJ McCollum, the reporter wishes to see him in the 6 man role. Making such drastic changes right before the pre-season raises the question of whether the timing of Murphy III’s injury was as bad as it could get. Fortunately, the pre-season is the time for the team to experiment. If Murphy III’s injury keeps him out of the loop for longer, then it is wise to see where the roster stands without their young star.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.