New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green on Thursday said rookie Trey Murphy III is among the players in contention to earn a place in the starting lineup once the preseason tips off Monday.
The Pelicans will need to find a replacement for Zion Williamson in the starting lineup. Williamson had offseason surgery to repair a foot fracture, but he said he will be ready to play once the regular season opens up on Oct. 20 versus the Philadelphia 76ers.
Green will not tip his hand one way or the other, but he said the team is evaluating the open spot in the starting lineup. The team is looking at several players for the position, including Murphy.
“We’re evaluating all of our wings and guys that can fit into that slot,” Green said. “(Trey) is one of them we’re looking at. It has been competitive. He is one of many guys that we’re looking at.”
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Murphy was named to the All-NBA summer league first team after averaging 16.3 points, seven rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocked shots. Murphy also shot 55.8% from the field, including a blistering 44% from 3-point range.
With the start of the preseason closing in, Murphy continues to adjust to the competition. He knows there is still plenty to learn but doesn’t appear to be too overwhelmed.
“It’s all about getting comfortable,” Murphy said. “At the end of the day, you’re playing against the best players in the world, so, me coming in as a rookie, I gotta learn the ropes a little bit. As long as I keep a good attitude about it, it’s not going to be too crazy.”
The 17th pick has seemingly stayed hot since leaving Las Vegas.
Green said he “shot the lights out” during their practice session. Murphy gives the Pelicans a great floor-spacing option, something that will certainly help his chances of earning the start. It could happen as soon as Monday night in Minnesota.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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