The New Orleans Pelicans received bad news this morning, as breakout star forward Trey Murphy III suffered a torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff in last night’s matchup versus the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 24 year old Murphy was having his best season of his career in year four, averaging 21.2 points per game, 5.1 rebounds. and 3.5 assists, while also shooting 45% from the field, 36% from three, and 89% from the free throw line.
The former 17th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft out of Virginia nearly doubled his points per game totals from the previous two seasons and was making good on his 4 year, 112 million dollar extension he signed back in late October.
The Pelicans have struggled mightily with injuries as a team this season. Star forward Zion Williamson has only played 29 games this year, after he missed 2 months with a hamstring injury. Guard Dejounte Murray only played 31 games until he suffered a season ending torn achilles in early February. Forward Brandon Ingram only played 18 games until his season was derailed because of an ankle injury in early December. He was later traded at the deadline to the Toronto Raptors, and still hasn’t returned.
Because of the roster turmoil New Orleans has experienced, the Pelicans have gone 18-51 and are currently 14th in the Western Conference. Hopefully, with the return of Murphy and others next season, 2026 will go differently in the Big Easy.
