In a significant blow to the New Orleans Pelicans, forward Trey Murphy III will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a serious shoulder injury. The fourth-year player had been enjoying a breakout season, making his absence a tough setback for the struggling team.
Injury Update on Trey Murphy III
Trey Murphy III has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a torn labrum and partial tear of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder. The injury occurred during the first quarter of a recent game against the Pistons, where Murphy dislocated his shoulder while diving for a loose ball, playing only a minute before having to leave the game. Subsequent examinations confirmed the diagnosis.
This season, Murphy has been a standout player for the Pelicans, averaging an impressive 21.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 52 games. He boasts a shooting percentage of 45.4% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc, with an average of 8.4 three-point attempts per game. His scoring average reflects a remarkable 6.4-point increase from the previous season, and he has achieved his third consecutive year with over 150 three-pointers made. The Pelicans have indicated that they will provide updates on his recovery as they become available.
At 6-foot-8, Murphy has established himself as an essential player for New Orleans, particularly as a versatile 3-and-D wing. He signed a lucrative four-year, $112 million rookie contract extension last October and has taken on a more prominent role this season after primarily coming off the bench in prior years.
Despite Murphy’s breakout performance, the Pelicans have faced a challenging season with numerous injury issues, currently holding an 18-51 record with just 13 games left. With playoff hopes long gone, Murphy’s injury only adds to the team’s struggles in an already difficult campaign.
