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Jim Eichenhofer

Age: 23NBA experience: Three seasons (three with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 57/23Key stats: 14.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 81.5 FT percentage, 38.0 three-point percentage

Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III’s 2023-24 NBA season overview

Murphy’s campaign was a lot like that of the Pelicans overall: Another step forward, but not wholly satisfying, particularly given how it concluded. A summer knee injury prevented Murphy from making his season debut until Dec. 1 – and his starts decreased from 65 to 23 due to Zion Williamson’s excellent availability – but Murphy still established a career high in scoring and continued to be one of the NBA’s most dangerous deep-shooting threats.

“All things considered, I feel like it was a decently successful season,” he said during his April 30 exit interview. “We won 49 games. Winning 49 games is not an easy feat in the NBA. If we were in the Eastern Conference, we’d be a third seed. Obviously we wanted the season to end a little differently, but overall team success I’d say was good. I was able to contribute to that as well. It was my first time having a real major injury, so coming back from that was something I had to deal with mentally and try to get over the hump with that.”

Murphy finished seventh in the NBA’s Most Improved Player vote in 2022-23, but making another jump that large probably wasn’t realistic, particularly given his delayed start to Year 3. But the North Carolina native remains a player that many observers across the league are keeping an eye on, based on his upside and potential.

“I know where I can go, especially with how hard I work and overall drive,” he said. “I think the biggest thing is work hard every day… understanding I’m going to be a really good player in this league. It’s just a matter of time before it really shows.”

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Trey Murphy III Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

The Advocate's Christian Clark recaps New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III's 2023-24 NBA season.

Trey Murphy III's per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Rank among all NBA players this season in catch-and-shoot three-pointers made per game (2.3). The only gunners who averaged more than Murphy were Lauri Markkanen (3.1), Donte DiVincenzo, Klay Thompson, Luke Kennard and Stephen Curry. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Malik Beasley tied Murphy at 2.3 per game.

Rank in scoring average among players who came off the bench at least 30 games this season. Murphy averaged 13.8 points in his 34 appearances as a reserve. Jordan Clarkson led the category at 17.4 ppg in 36 games as a sub.

New Orleans record when Murphy sank at least four three-pointers in a game, including 11-0 when he drained five-plus treys. The Pelicans were undefeated during his big nights from deep until March 26 and April 1 home losses to Oklahoma City and Phoenix, respectively.

At this point, the Raptors probably have had their fill of three-point shooting from Pelicans forwards. Brandon Ingram went ballistic from distance on Feb. 5 vs. Toronto, while Murphy shot 10/14 off the bench on threes in this blowout in Canada. He poured in a season-high 34 points.

Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Trey Murphy III with 34 Points vs. Toronto Raptors

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III speaks to the media following the team's win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

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Trey Murphy III on big night, Herb Jones | Pelicans at Raptors Postgame 3/5/24

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Photos: Pelicans at Raptors | Game Action 3/5/2024

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 139, Raptors 98

#2, Feb. 27, New Orleans 115, New York 92

One of the Pelicans’ best road victories was highlighted by Murphy posting 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, logging 36 minutes as a starter. He deposited six three-pointers in his 11 attempts at Madison Square Garden.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III scored 26 points in the team's road win against the New York Knicks on February 27, 2024.

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Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Trey Murphy III with 26 points vs. New York Knicks 2/27/24

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III speaks with the media following the team's road win against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

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Trey Murphy III | Pelicans at Knicks Postgame Interview 2/27/24

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green speaks with the media following the team's road win against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

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Willie Green | Pelicans at Knicks Postgame Interview 2/27/24

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 115, Knicks 92

#3, Dec. 1, New Orleans 121, San Antonio 106

This performance didn’t even rank in Murphy’s top 10 scoring games this season, but an 18-point night was beautiful to see, as he made his return to the court from offseason knee surgery. He was 7/13 from the field and 4/10 on triples.

Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Trey Murphy III with 18 Points vs. San Antonio Spurs

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III speaks to the media following the team's win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

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Trey Murphy III on his first game back | Pelicans vs. Spurs Postgame 12/1/23

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green speaks to the media following the team's win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Dec. 1, 2023.

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Willie Green talks win, return of Trey Murphy III | Pelicans Spurs Postgame 12/1/23

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 121, Spurs 106

Trey Murphy’s player participation report

He was forced to miss the first 19 games of the regular season as he rehabbed his knee, then sidelined for three contests around the new year with knee soreness – but after that he was nearly always available. Murphy appeared in each of the team’s final 36 regular season games, then all six postseason tilts. In 2022-23, he tied sturdy Jonas Valanciunas for the team lead in games played with 79.

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Trey Murphy III | 2023-24 NBA Season in Review

Pelicans.com

Check out highlights from New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III's top plays of the 2023-24 NBA season! Part of our Pelicans 2023-24 NBA season player recaps.

On the latest New Orleans Pelicans Podcast from Monday, May 13, 2024, Jim Eichenhofer and Gus Kattengell welcome The Advocate's Christian Clark to discuss Trey Murphy III's 2023-2024 NBA season as we continue with our Pelicans roster season recaps.

LISTEN ABOVE OR CLICK HERE FOR FULL PODCAST >>

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Dyson Daniels | Mental Health Monday presented by AmeriHealth Caritas

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Photos: Trey Murphy III 2023‑24 Season in Review

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Pelicans players tips for handling stress | Get Fit Friday

Age: 32NBA experience: Twelve seasons (three with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 82/82Key stats: 12.2 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 55.9 FG percentage

Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas’ 2023-24 NBA season overview

An ironman campaign for the native of Lithuania was highlighted by the center playing in all 82 games, meaning the Pelicans could count on their starting pivot to be there every night. Less reliable was the specific role Valanciunas filled, with his minutes per game going from 25.5 prior to the All-Star break to 19.3 following the midseason hiatus. As a result, his counting stats took a similar dip. Through that decrease, Valanciunas never complained and remained a true professional, focusing on what he could do to contribute on or off the court. “I’m a team player,” he said during April 30 exit interviews. “Whatever it takes. The big picture is winning. We didn’t do that this year enough. As I said to the coaching staff, I’m here to help. I’m here to do everything to win games. Stats are not important when you look at the (team) record.” Valanciunas, who will become an unrestricted free agent July 1, was uncertain about what the future holds, but described 2023-24 as more positive than negative. “It was a good season,” he described. “At moments we were really good. It was ups and downs, like every season. But I love the group I played with. We did some great stuff on the court. It was memorable.”

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Jonas Valanciunas' Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

Jonas Valanciunas' Pelicans Podcast recap

Voice of the Pelicans Todd Graffagnini recaps New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas' 2023-24 NBA season.

Jonas Valanciunas' per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Shooting splits prior to the All-Star break, in 55 games played (New Orleans went 33-22). Those Valanciunas splits were 52/22/74 in his 27 post-break games (16-11).

New Orleans record when he scored 18-plus points. Only one of those 14 instances occurred in March or April.

New Orleans record when he grabbed 12-plus rebounds. None of those 19 instances occurred in March or April.

Jonas Valanciunas’ three most notable games

#1, Dec. 15, New Orleans 112, Charlotte 107

Two double-digit scoring halves resulted in a season-high 29 points, with the Pelicans repeatedly going to him on the low block. He dominated the paint with 13 rebounds and two blocks.

Pelicans center scored 29 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, threw four assists and blocked two shots during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, Dec. 15 in Spectrum Center.

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Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Jonas Valanciunas scores 29 vs. Charlotte Hornets 12/15/23

New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas' postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, Dec. 15 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Jonas Valanciunas on his performance, passes down the stretch | Pelicans vs. Hornets Postgame Interview 12/15/2

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado's postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, Dec. 15 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Jose Alvarado talks Jonas Valanciunas' performance, depth | Pelicans vs. Hornets Postgame Interview 12/15/23

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 112, Hornets 107

The Pelicans entered this divisional matchup at just 26-21, but their first win against the Rockets began a surge of 16 victories over the next 21 games. Valanciunas outplayed fellow international big Alperen Sengun by rolling to 25 points and 14 rebounds.

Highlights from New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas scoring 25 points against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Jan. 31 during 2023-24 NBA season.

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Highlights: Jonas Valanciunas scores 25 points at Houston Rockets 1/31/2024

New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas' postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Jan. 31 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Jonas Valanciunas talks team-high 25 in win | Pelicans-Rockets Postgame 1/31/2024

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum's postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Jan. 31 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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CJ McCollum talks Jonas, bench in win | Pelicans-Rockets Postgame 1/31/2024

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 110, Rockets 99

Speaking of meetings with international bigs, Valanciunas registered 22 points and eight rebounds vs. Nikola Jokic, as the Pelicans posted a vital In-Season Tournament pool play victory. Jokic notched a gaudy 26-16-18 line, but in a defeat.

Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Jonas Valanciunas with 22 Points vs. Denver Nuggets

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Jonas Valanciunas blocks Nikola Jokic during Pelicans vs Nuggets on 11/17/23

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Jonas Valanciunas blocks Nikola Jokic | Pelicans vs Nuggets 11/17/23

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green talks to the team postgame in the Pelicans locker room after their In-Season Tournament win against the Denver Nuggets during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Inside the Pelicans locker room postgame after win vs. Denver Nuggets 11/17/2023

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NBA In-Season Tournament postgame wrap: Pelicans 115, Nuggets 110

Jonas Valanciunas’ player participation report

Valanciunas was one of 17 NBA players who played in 82 games (or more – Buddy Hield led the league with 84, split between Indiana and Philadelphia), again proving his durability. Valanciunas also led New Orleans in games played during the 2022-23 season (tied with Trey Murphy with 79). “I’m really happy about that,” Valanciunas said during April 30 exit interviews of his perfect attendance. “As tired as I am (physically), I’m very happy. I prioritize myself being available every day and every game.”

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Jonas Valanciunas | 2023-24 NBA Season in Review

Check out highlights of New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas's top plays of the 2023-24 NBA season! Part of our Pelicans 2023-24 NBA season player recaps.

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