Shooters Shoot – Dunkers Dunk – Hoopers Hoop
Over the weekend, Trey Murphy the third participated in the NBA’s slam dunk contest. In a building overladen with other NBA players and dignitaries, all eyes were focused on the group of dunkers. While most Louisianans were catching beads, the Pelicans forward was trying to catch bodies.
Trey Murphy, most notably known for his ability to shoot, along with Jericho Sims (Knicks), Kenyon Martin Jr. (Rockets), Mac McClung (76ers) were the participants. Although Mac McClung ended up being the star of the show while pulling off some impressive dunks, he [Murphy] definitely held his own competing in the finals against McClung, a former social media dunking sensation. McClung was signed to the 76ers, ironically, prior to All Star Weekend.
Of all the participants, Murphy may be the only player that had to petition to get himself into the contest. He had a montage of in-game dunks during the first half of the season.
I was thoroughly impressed with the second-year forward out of Virginia. Murphy was a true showman during the entire weekend and more specifically during the dunk contest. He was even assisted by Jose Alvarado, who won the MVP of the rising stars game, by doing his patented sneak & steal that led to an alley-oop to Trey Murphy.
He was also featured on multiple social media accounts asking questions to other NBA players during their respective media sessions for Complex, from Kevin Durant to Jaylen Brown to Dame Lilliard. The Durham native was fairly known before ASW, but I believe more of the NBA world was introduced to Trey Murphy. He proved that he’s more than just a shooter or dunker. Trey has potential to be a star.
This season he’s shooting nearly 50% from the field – 40% from 3 – & over 90% from the free throw line. Coach Willie Green has been on record on many occasions saying that Trey needs to shoot more. Prior to the break, CJ McCollum said, “We need him [Trey Murphy] to shoot more. We’re trying to get him to shoot bad shots.”
The Pelicans are 8-1 when Murphy scores over 20 points. As the best shooter, statistically, on the team, a recipe for success seems to get him good looks at the basket. The team ranks in the bottom third of 3 pointers made.
The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Toronto Raptors for the their first game after the break. With 23 games left to end the season, the team needs to get off to a fast start. Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance are listed as PROBABLE leaving Zion Williamson as the lone member on the injury listed as OUT. The last time Trey Murphy played against the Raptors, he scored 26 points in a win.
