These are three questions that the New Orleans Pelicans need answered by forward Trey Murphy this season.
The New Orleans Pelicans have big plans for this season, and those plans are riding on a couple of players continuing to improve. One of those players is Trey Murphy, who is coming off an offseason where expectations are starting to build up.
One of the biggest stories for the Pelicans over the past few months was teams trying to trade for Murphy, but the front office maintained a multiple first-round pick price tag. Debate rose over whether or not they should move him, with most in New Orleans agreeing that he should be kept around.
The 26-year-old put up 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 47.0/37.9/88.6 shooting splits last season. Now all eyes are on Murphy to see if he backs up the Pelicans' investment as they commit to winning once again. After all, they could have easily picked up two first-round picks this offseason, which would certainly help in a rebuild.
Has he reached his ceiling?
The phrasing of this question makes it sound harsher than it is meant to be. If Murphy doesn't take another leap, that is perfectly fine. He was arguably the team's best player last season and is right on the edge of being an All-Star-level player. If he repeats that performance and the team starts winning games, he could still make it.
His past two seasons have been pretty similar. His efficiency ticked up and he continued to prove a little bit as a playmaker, but those were the biggest differences. If he repeats similar production once again, then that's probably just the player he is at this point. Again, that would be totally fine.
Can Jamahl Mosley unlock something on defense?
One of those things that could lead to another "jump" is if Mosley increases his defensive responsibility. Murphy is a great athlete and is not considered a poor defender, but that's just not his real focus. He is active in passing lanes, leading to a large number of steals and deflections. The team's defense was better with him on the court, but it also feels like there is room for more. This is a great defensive staff, and they could help unlock something more.
Can the Pelicans trust him late in games?
One of the most frustrating parts of New Orleans' season last year wasn't the blowout losses. It was the close games where they had a chance late, but no one would take over as a closer. That's something good teams have. The Pelicans had a -20.3 rating in clutch moments last year, the second-worst in the league, by a large margin.
In those clutch moments, Saddiq Bey was actually their most effective option. As great as Bey was for this team last year, that isn't what they want to see. Murphy's shooting splits dropped to 39.1/30.8/95.2 in those moments. He was also -90, the worst on the team, but that's also partially because he was out there the most, and the roster overall struggled.
