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Trey Murphy’s Offensive Leap: A Silver Lining for the Pelicans
Photo by Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Trey Murphy’s offensive evolution has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the New Orleans Pelicans. His ability to create his own shot has become crucial as the team seeks to solidify its offensive identity. Murphy’s improved versatility, stretching the floor while also attacking the rim, has significantly changed the team’s dynamic.
Murphy’s offensive arsenal has expanded considerably. He’s added an in-between game to complement his three-point shooting and dunking abilities. We’re seeing hook shots, mid-range jumpers, and floaters in his repertoire. His improved handle allows him to find seams and score in ways he couldn’t before.
Physically, Murphy has noticeably bulked up. This added strength enables him to finish through contact at the rim, draw fouls, and get to the free-throw line more frequently. In recent games, he’s averaging over 25 points per game while shooting 41% from three-point range.
Murphy’s playmaking has also improved, with his assist numbers reaching career highs. While he’s not an elite playmaker, he’s showing a willingness to make the right pass, sometimes to a fault. Balancing this newfound passing ability with his scoring prowess will be crucial for his continued development.
Defensively, Murphy is having his best season yet. Despite taking on a larger offensive role, his defensive stats have improved, with career highs in blocks and steals per game. This two-way development is particularly impressive given his increased usage rate and offensive responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans need to bolster their roster around Murphy and establish a more consistent offensive game plan. With the potential return of Zion Williamson and contributions from players like Jose Alvarado and Herbert Jones, the team could create a formidable lineup capable of not just competing, but contending in the NBA.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Trey Murphy’s development and its impact on the Pelicans, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
• The Pelicans’ struggles to start games strong
• Analyzing the team’s inconsistent shooting performance
• Upcoming matchups against the Washington Wizards
The Orlando Magic are giving a one-fingered salute to the universe
Dec 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) dunks during the second half against the Miami Heat at Kia Center. | Mike Watters/Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic will never stop.
Injuries have piled up like rush hour traffic near the Disney parks. Orlando’s three best offensive players — Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Mo Wagner — are all out, the first two with rare torn oblique injuries and the latter for the season with a torn ACL. They should be dead and buried, with the funeral service concluded long ago.
Instead, the Magic keep raging, sticking out their middle fingers to the basketball gods who seem determined to throw every obstacle imaginable in their path. They’re 3-3 in the six games since the elder Wagner’s injury (including the win in which he went down in the first quarter), pairing a defense that gets more ferocious after each blow with an offense that has cobbled together just enough points to keep things interesting.
Jalen Suggs has become the de facto number-one option, a role he is ill-suited for. Suggs is shooting 41% from the field and 31% from deep, but you’d never know fromthe 37% usage (a monstrous figure) he’s posted in the last six games. The Magic’s offense looks best when someone else can help him out. Rookie Tristan da Silva has been the unlikely second banana many nights — he’s had five games in his last eight of at least 15 points after only notching one such performance in his first 23. Consistency, unfortunately, is hard to find; da Silva also had two games in his last three where he scored exactly zero points.
But there are still plenty of reasons for concern.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Analysis Rod Walker emphasizes the importance of involving Trey Murphy more in the second half of the season to help the struggling New Orleans Pelicans improve their performance. (NOLA)
Must Read Check out these crucial New Year resolutions for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2025, focusing on key improvements and strategies for the team’s success. Learn more about the team’s future plans. (Pelican Brief)
Tomorrow The Pelicans host the Wizards tomorrow at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Implications of Jaden Ivey’s Injury
Jan 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) grabs his leg as he falls to the court after being injured against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel/Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The start of 2025 in the NBA has been nothing short of chaotic, with injuries taking centre stage. Jaden Ivey’s injury is particularly concerning, as it appears to be quite serious. The Detroit Pistons guard was having a strong game with 22 points and five three-pointers before the unfortunate incident. The severity of the injury suggests that Ivey might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, which is a significant blow to the Pistons and fantasy managers alike.
Fantasy Implications of Ivey’s Injury
With Ivey potentially out for the season, the Pistons will need to adjust their lineup. Ausar Thompson is likely to see an increase in minutes and responsibilities. Thompson’s ability to contribute across various categories makes him a valuable pickup in fantasy leagues. While his shooting may be inconsistent, his defensive stats and hustle play could provide a much-needed boost to fantasy rosters.
Malik Beasley might also see an uptick in playing time, although his recent performances have been less than stellar. Beasley is primarily a points and threes contributor, and his role could expand in Ivey’s absence. For those in deeper leagues, Marcus Sasser could become a viable option, especially if Cade Cunningham faces any setbacks.
Click the button below to see who’s rising and falling on the Bulls and Wizards.
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