It’s no secret that athletes create narratives and slights as motivation to gain a competitive advantage. The New Orleans Pelicans Rising star Trey Murphy III is using his No. 17 overall pick in the NBA Draft as fuel to take his game to the next level. So much so that Murphy III can easily recall the 16 players drafted before him.
The former Virginia standout recently appeared on the Old Man & the Three podcast with host Tommy Alter and Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson, Jr. to discuss a myriad of topics ahead of the NBA season starting in October. Jackson, Jr. admitted that he doesn’t remember all the picks made around him, even though he was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 draft.
Murphy III quickly responded that it shouldn’t be too difficult given Jackson Jr.’s selection. He then listed all the players selected before him and received a round of applause from his co-hosts. The fourth-year Pelicans player said he was using that as “a chip on his shoulder.”
.@treymurphy list from memory the 16 players drafted before him pic.twitter.com/ygaQJf36dR
— Pelicans Movie Room (@PelsFilmRoom) August 26, 2024
Given his progression year over year, that fire burns brightly for Murphy III. Entering his fourth season, Murphy III has improved his scoring, rebounding and assists every year since he’s been in the league. That type of production extends beyond the grassroots level.
The Ringer founder Bill Simmons said earlier this year of Murphy III: “I’ve decided that Trey Murphy is my favorite non-superstar in both conferences… He’s one of the most addictive players in the league. What I love is what his game is ultimately going to allow me to achieve.”
New Orleans expects his game to be elevated and sees him as a vital part of the team’s success moving forward. Murphy III is in line for a rookie contract extension and a deal is expected to be reached soon. He doesn’t let contract negotiations become a distraction off the field, and this summer he’s worked hard to improve his on-field play.
He was chosen as Member of the American Select Team to prepare the U.S. men’s national team for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Murphy III has also expanded his portfolio to include a future in media.
“Seeing what Draymond (Green) and CJ (McCollum) are doing shows me something that I really want to do,” Murphy III told Boardroom in 2023. “I feel like I can speak well, I have knowledge and I can talk about the game that I love. I feel like I have to get a few more stripes before I can do a podcast, but it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to in the future.”
With a motivated Murphy III and the rest of the Pelicans’ talented roster, New Orleans aims to contend in the Western Conference this year. They hope to put enough fuel on the fire to reach the top.
