It has been a disappointing season thus far for the New Orleans Pelicans as they currently sit 13th in the Western Conference standings with a 19-44 record.
Despite their struggles this season, New Orleans has built a solid young core led by Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, Saddiq Bey and Jeremiah Fears and they are hoping that they will be able to turn things around in the future.
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New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) celebrates with Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1)Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
(Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
Of course, the Pelicans have been stuck in a rebuild over the past handful of seasons and they have also dealt with injuries to multiple key players, including Williamson.
Despite this, Williamson has been able to stay relatively healthy this season as he has played in 46 of their first 63 games and most of the games he missed this season was due to an adductor strain he suffered in November.
Trey Murphy II Praises Zion Williamson’s Work Ethic This Season
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
Earlier this week, Murphy III sat down with EssentiallySports’ Mark Medina where he praised Williamson’s work ethic this season and he believes that it has been a major factor in his ability to stay healthy this season.
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“He’s done a great job,” Murphy III said about Williamson. “He’s done a really good job. He’s been very consistent with his work ethic. He hired a PT (personal trainer) as well. I feel like that helped him a lot.”
This is high praise from Murphy III and he believes that with Williamson hiring a personal trainer, it has allowed him to be able to stay on the court this season.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
Of course, the 25-year-old forward has been criticized by the media since being selected first overall by the Pelicans in the 2019 draft due to his inability to stay healthy, though it is clear that Williamson is taking better care of himself this season, which has resulted in him being available more often.
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Trey Murphy III Urges Zion Williamson to Add 3-Point Shot
New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25)Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
In the interview, Murphy III also shared how he has seen Williamson expand his game this season and what he wants the star forward to incorporate into his offensive game in the future.
“I see he’s taking a few more midrange shots,” Murphy III said. “I’ve been on him about taking 3s and finding more 3-points shots. He’s had times he could shoot it. He can shoot more of them.”
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion WilliamsonMatthew Hinton-Imagn Images
(Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images)
For Williamson, he has taken less 3s this season as he is averaging just 0.1 3-point attempts per game, though Murphy III has urged the star forward to attempt more, especially with defenses allowing him to be wide open on the perimeter.
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It remains to be seen whether Williamson will take Murphy III’s advice but if he is able to develop a consistent 3-point shot and avoid injuries, he could be a key piece in turning the Pelicans around in the future behind their young core.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.