If there is one thing we know about the modern NBA, it’s that shooting is at a premium. Now more than ever, the ability to connect from the outside can be the difference between being considered an All-Star or a mere role player.
Oftentimes, it can also be the key difference between one roster overcoming another when it matters most. Ultimately, the aim for every NBA front office is to stack as many shooters as possible in the hopes of putting together a successful campaign.
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For teams like the New Orleans Pelicans, this becomes even more critical as a gap closer, exercising and talent equalizer when stacking up against some of the elite teams in the league.
So when Trey Murphy III told Basketball Network that he’s upping his three-point percentage this season, it bodes well for the franchise’s playoff aspirations.
Production guaranteesÂ
While the raw ability of both Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole will be the driving force in how many wins the Pelicans end up with, contributions from high-caliber role players like Murphy will ultimately decide how far the Pels go this season.
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When trying to win the Association, it’s never just about what the stars do, but more about whether the stars can get enough teammates to come along for the ride with them.
In Murphy’s case, who head coach Willie Green has confirmed is in line for an expanded role this season, will be front and center in their postseason pursuit.
In addition to being a heavier pick-and-roll operator, Murphy will also be tasked with remaining one of the best “3-and-D” specialists in the league. This means not only taking on the toughest defensive assignments every night, but also maintaining an elite percentage from behind the arc.
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Luckily for Pelicans fans, he guaranteed BN that he’ll be a 40% three-point shooter this campaign.
BN:Â “Trey, you were 36% from three last season”
TM:”I was what, I gotta get that up!”
BN: “Is that going up to 40 this year?”Â
TM:”Yeah Absolutely, absolutely!”Â
A key ingredientÂ
Murphy has been one of the bright spots for a Pelicans franchise that has been decimated with injuries over the past three seasons. As his teammates have struggled to stay on the floor, he’s quietly been developing in the background – upping his scoring average every season since he was drafted in 2021.
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Last campaign he broke the 20-point barrier, averaging 21.2 points per game to go along with five rebounds and 3.5 assists. This was a far cry from his modest rookie numbers of 5.4 points per game, underscoring how much development he’s undergone since entering the league. It also acts as validation for the Pelicans’ coaching staff in understanding and trusting that the upward trajectory will continue.
If Murphy does keep his word and ascend into the 40% range from downtown, it will see him land as statistically one of the top 30 shooters in the league by percentage based on last season. That would be a welcome sight for a Pelicans team that ranked just 14th in the entire league last campaign.
Now, ahead of his fifth season, he finds himself with an elevated responsibility, and the Pelicans will need every ounce of production to stay attached to the playoff picture.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.