The New Orleans Pelicans selected Virginia wing Trey Murphy III with the No. 17 pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
Murphy III, who has seen his draft stock jump up the big boards through the draft process, can come in on day one as a plug-and-play for Willie Green and the Pelicans. Murphy brings outstanding size, standing at 6-foot-9 who can defend multiple positions with an almost 7-foot-1 wingspan.
On the offensive end, Murphy can absolutely fill it up from outside, shooting 43% from 3-point range last season at Virginia. Over his three seasons in college, Murphy is a 40% 3-point shooter.
The pick is in: Trey Murphy III is a New Orleans Pelican. pic.twitter.com/N6DzpQ78jg
— Lonzo Wire (@LonzoWire) July 30, 2021
In his junior season at Virginia, Murphy averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds on 50.3% shooting from the field.
Murphy’s fit with the Pelicans is seemingly perfect as he could fit in with any team. As an unselfish player who doesn’t need the ball in his hands, Murphy will be able to spread the floor offensively on top of helping defend the best perimeter players on the opposing team.
The Pelicans acquired the No. 17 pick in a trade on Monday with the Memphis Grizzlies, which send Eric Bledsoe, Steven Adams, and No. 10 pick for Jonas Valanciunas and the No. 17 pick.
Stay tuned to Lonzo Wire to see who the Hornets select with their three second-round picks.