Pelicans select Trey Murphy III with No. 17 pick
With the No. 17 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans have selected Virginia shooting guard Trey Murphy III.
New Orleans reportedly acquired the pick from the Memphis Grizzlies in a swap involving Jonas Valanciunas, Steven Adams, and Eric Bledsoe earlier this week.
Murphy possesses 3-and-D potential with his exceptional floor-spacing ability and above-average height and wingspan for a guard. The 21-year-old connected on 43.3% of his long-range shots per game this past season while averaging 4.8 attempts, and shooting 50.3% from the field overall.
The Stanford junior excels most as a catch-and-shoot threat, and although his per-game blocks and steals totals don't jump off the page, he's capable of utilizing his size and athleticism to lock down opponents' top scoring options.
Bio
Position: SG
School: Stanford
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 206 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-1
Max vertical: 38"
Strengths
- Makes it difficult for defenses to close out because of his very quick and efficient shooting motion.
- Length and quick feet allow him to defend guards and forwards at a high level.
- High-flying scorer around the rim who's also showcased potential as an off-ball cutter.
Weaknesses
- Isn't great at creating his own shot.
- Needs to improve as a rebounder, especially given his size.
- Not a strong playmaker or ball-handler.