5 Breakout players for next season, and why the Raptors’ fate is tied to one
No. 3: Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have something of a bizarre problem. Most NBA teams find their backcourts and their big rotation, but can't seem to get enough functional depth at forward. Having two point guards doesn't do much good because it's hard to play two small, ball-dominant players together. Having two centers kills your offense if you try to play both together.
By contrast, the more forwards you have, the better. It unlocks more lineup versatility, and you can play multiple wings and forwards together because they can move up or down the positional spectrum without torpedoing your team's effectiveness.
The Pelicans, however, are testing that prospect by having a team positively stuffed with forwards. They don't have a viable starting center or even backup center; their options are Daniel Theis, who has been a journeyman third center the past few years, and a pair of raw rookies. On the forward line, however, they have Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III, all players deserving of a starting spot. They had to let Naji Marshall walk for nothing because there is simply not room for him.
How the Pelicans resolve their glut of forwards will set the stage for whether a true Trey Murphy breakout will come this year. All of the signs are in place, as the former Virginia forward has continued to improve every season in the league, growing as a shooter, as a defender and as a passer. The Pelicans also are signaling they want Murphy to have a larger role, letting Marshall walk and shopping Ingram furiously to clear up space.
If an Ingram trade doesn't happen by the start of the season, it will be interesting to see who is left on the bench. Do the Pelicans start a traditional center and force two of Zion, Ingram, Herb Jones, Murphy, Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum to the bench? Or do they let Zion play at the 5 and then decide between McCollum and Murphy as the final starter?
The waters are uncertain, but if Murphy can get the opportunity he looks ready to explode and be a two-way starting forward and then some. It's not out of the question to see him in the All-Star conversation in the years to come.