Cyndie Higley

Written by Cyndie Higley

Published: 02 Oct 2024

40-facts-about-trey-murphy-iii
Source: Nba.com

Who is Trey Murphy III? Trey Murphy III is a rising star in the NBA, known for his impressive shooting skills and versatility on the court. Born on June 18, 2000, in Durham, North Carolina, Murphy has quickly made a name for himself. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 206 pounds, he currently plays for the New Orleans Pelicans. Drafted 17th overall in 2021, his journey from high school at Cary Academy to college basketball at Rice University and the University of Virginia showcases his dedication and talent. Murphy's shooting prowess, particularly from beyond the three-point line, has earned him comparisons to players like Robert Covington and James Jones.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trey Murphy III, a rising NBA star, hails from Durham, NC, and has a strong basketball lineage. His exceptional shooting skills and dedication make him a valuable asset for the New Orleans Pelicans.
  • With a 3-and-D playing style, Trey Murphy III aims to follow in the footsteps of his role models, Robert Covington and James Jones. His journey from high school to the NBA reflects hard work, growth, and a bright future in professional basketball.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Trey Murphy III's journey to the NBA is rooted in his early life and background. Let's explore the foundation of his basketball career.

  1. Birthdate and Place: Trey Murphy III was born on June 18, 2000, in Durham, North Carolina.
  2. Full Name: His full name is Kenneth "Trey" Murphy III.
  3. Height and Weight: He stands at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) and weighs 206 pounds (93 kg).
  4. Nationality: Murphy is an American professional basketball player.
  5. Family Influence: Growing up in a family with a strong basketball background has likely influenced Murphy’s passion for the sport. His father’s experience in college basketball has provided him with valuable insights and support.
  6. Personal Life: Murphy’s father, Kenneth, played basketball at East Carolina from 1986 to 1988. He goes by "Trey" because his father goes by "Kenny" and his grandfather goes by "Ken".

High School and College Career

Murphy's high school and college years were crucial in shaping his skills and preparing him for the professional stage.

  1. High School Career: He played high school basketball at Cary Academy in Cary, North Carolina, where he averaged 24.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a senior.
  2. College Basketball Career: Before entering the NBA, Murphy played college basketball for both Rice University and the University of Virginia.
  3. College Statistics at Rice: During his time at Rice University, Murphy played in all 32 games as a freshman, averaging 8.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. He set the school freshman record for three-point field goal percentage (42.1%) and ranked fourth in Conference USA in three-point field goal percentage.
  4. College Statistics at Virginia: At the University of Virginia, Murphy became the most recent Men's NCAA basketball player to post a 50–40–90 season, with a 50–43–93 tally in the 2020–21 season. He averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game as a junior.
  5. College Awards: At Rice University, Murphy was named to the All-Conference USA team for his outstanding scoring abilities. At Virginia, he achieved a 50–40–90 season, which is a rare achievement in college basketball.

NBA Draft and Early Career

Murphy's transition to the NBA marked the beginning of his professional journey. Here are the key moments from his draft and early career.

  1. Draft Entry: Trey Murphy III entered the 2021 NBA draft as an early entrant.
  2. Draft Position: He was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
  3. Draft Rights Trade: The draft rights to Trey Murphy III were traded to the New Orleans Pelicans on August 7, 2021, as part of a larger deal involving several players and draft picks.
  4. Agent: Murphy is represented by agent Sean Kennedy.
  5. NBA Debut: Trey Murphy III made his NBA debut with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2021-2022 season.
  6. G League Assignments: During the 2021-2022 season, Murphy was assigned to the Birmingham Squadron of the G League multiple times. These assignments helped him gain more playing experience and develop his skills further.

Professional Achievements and Statistics

Murphy has already made significant strides in his professional career. Let's look at his achievements and statistics.

  1. NBA Career Statistics: As of the end of the 2023-2024 season, Murphy has played 198 games, averaging 17.09 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He has shot 40.5% from the field, 38.8% from three-point range, and 82.1% from the free-throw line.
  2. Shooting Prowess: Trey Murphy III is known for his excellent shooting skills, particularly from beyond the three-point line. He has a career 40% three-point shooting percentage and has shown significant improvement in his free throw shooting, reaching 92.7% as a junior in college.
  3. Season Highs: On March 12, 2023, Murphy put up a season-high and career-high 41 points in a 127–110 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. This performance showcased his ability to lead the team in scoring.
  4. Professional Career Milestones: In February 2023, Murphy was selected to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. Although he did not win, it was a significant moment in his professional career.
  5. Team Options: The New Orleans Pelicans exercised their team option to extend Murphy's contract on October 19, 2023, ensuring he will remain with the team for the 2024-2025 season.
  6. Free Agent Status: Trey Murphy III is currently a restricted free agent for the 2025 season. This means the New Orleans Pelicans have the right to match any offer he receives from another team.

Playing Style and Comparisons

Murphy's playing style and comparisons to other NBA players highlight his unique abilities and potential.

  1. Comparison to NBA Players: His playing style is often compared to players like Robert Covington and James Jones, who are known for their shooting abilities and versatility on the court.
  2. Athleticism: Despite his size, Murphy has shown untapped athleticism and the ability to explode and make plays in the open floor. He has a broad shoulder frame and should be able to add weight without losing mobility.
  3. Weaknesses: One of his weaknesses is his rebounding, despite his size advantage. He also needs to gain more confidence in his abilities and become a more aggressive athlete on the court.
  4. Role in the Team: Murphy is comfortable playing a role and creating space for those around him. He is a key player for the New Orleans Pelicans, contributing significantly to the team's success with his shooting and defensive skills.
  5. Impact on the Team: As a key player for the New Orleans Pelicans, Murphy has made a significant impact on the team’s performance. His shooting and defensive skills have contributed to the team’s higher standings in the Southwest Division.
  6. Development Needs: While Murphy has shown promise as a shooter, he needs to develop more aspects of his game to make a significant impact at the NBA level. This includes improving his rebounding, becoming more aggressive, and refining his defensive skills.
  7. NBA Comparison: His playing style is often compared to that of Robert Covington and James Jones, who are known for their versatility and shooting abilities. However, Murphy still needs to develop into a more well-rounded player to fill the 3-and-D role effectively.

Personal and Professional Growth

Murphy's growth both on and off the court is evident in his achievements and future prospects.

  1. Career Path: From high school to college and now the NBA, Trey Murphy III has consistently demonstrated his dedication to basketball. His journey showcases the hard work and perseverance required to succeed at the highest level.
  2. Career Progression: Despite being just 24 years old, Trey Murphy III has already shown significant growth in his career. His performance in college and the NBA has earned him recognition from coaches and players alike.
  3. Role Models: Players like Robert Covington and James Jones, who are known for their shooting abilities, serve as role models for Murphy. He aims to emulate their success and become a 3-and-D player in the NBA.
  4. Career Goals: Trey Murphy III’s long-term goal is to become a consistent contributor to the New Orleans Pelicans. He aims to continue improving his skills and contributing to the team’s success both defensively and offensively.
  5. Future Prospects: With his current form and dedication, Trey Murphy III has bright future prospects in the NBA. His ability to shoot and defend makes him an attractive player for the Pelicans, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s future success.
  6. Net Worth: Trey Murphy III’s net worth is estimated to be significant, reflecting his financial success in the NBA. His dedication and talent have contributed to his growing wealth.
  7. Community Involvement: While there are no major controversies surrounding Trey Murphy III, he has maintained a clean image in the NBA. His professionalism and focus on the game have steered him away from trouble, allowing him to build a strong career without distractions.
  8. Legal Issues: There have been no reports or incidents involving Trey Murphy III and the law. This has allowed him to stay out of legal issues and focus on his career.
  9. Professionalism: Murphy’s professionalism and dedication to the game have earned him respect from teammates and coaches. His commitment to improving his skills and contributing to the team’s success is evident in his performance on the court.
  10. Future Goals: Looking ahead, Trey Murphy III aims to continue developing his game and becoming a key player for the New Orleans Pelicans. His dedication and hard work will undoubtedly contribute to his future success in the NBA.

Trey Murphy III: A Rising Star

Trey Murphy III has quickly become a standout player in the NBA. Born in Durham, North Carolina, he's made waves with his impressive shooting skills and versatility. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Murphy's journey from Cary Academy to Rice University, then the University of Virginia, showcases his dedication. Drafted 17th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021, his rights were traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he continues to shine.

Known for his three-point shooting, Murphy's career highlights include a 50–40–90 season in college and a career-high 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. With a bright future ahead, he's set to play a crucial role for the Pelicans. His professional growth, combined with his clean image and strong family influence, makes him a player to watch. Trey Murphy III's journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What team does Trey Murphy III play for?
Trey Murphy III showcases his skills on the basketball court with the New Orleans Pelicans. He's been making waves with his impressive performances, so keep an eye on him!
How did Trey Murphy III start his basketball career?
His journey to the NBA began in high school, where he stood out as a talented player. Murphy III then honed his skills at Rice University before transferring to the University of Virginia, where he further developed his game and caught the attention of scouts.
What position does Trey Murphy III play?
On the court, Murphy III shines as a small forward. His versatility and height allow him to be effective in this role, contributing significantly to his team's efforts.
What are some notable achievements of Trey Murphy III?
Since joining the NBA, Murphy III has been turning heads with his performances. While specific accolades might evolve over time, his ability to impact games, especially with his shooting and defense, marks him as a player to watch.
How can fans follow Trey Murphy III's career?
Fans eager to keep up with Murphy III's journey can follow him on social media for personal updates and highlights. Additionally, watching New Orleans Pelicans games and checking sports news outlets will keep you informed about his professional achievements.
What makes Trey Murphy III a player to watch?
His exceptional shooting ability, especially from beyond the arc, combined with solid defensive skills, makes Murphy III a dual threat on the court. His work ethic and continuous improvement have basketball enthusiasts excited about his future.
Is Trey Murphy III involved in any off-court activities?
Like many athletes, Murphy III values giving back and is involved in various community service activities. While specifics may vary, his commitment to making a positive impact off the court is just as impressive as his on-court performances.

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