How Trey Murphy III Really Feels About All-Star Disrespect

The NBA All-Star process has never been kind to teams buried at the bottom of the standings, and Trey Murphy III understands that reality as well as anyone. The new look New Orleans Pelicans began training camp with playoff aspirations, but the season was marred by injuries to its top stars. Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson, both former All-Stars, spent most of the 2025-26 campaign.

Their absence left Murphy III as the primary offensive starter on a roster built around shared responsibility. The results were impressive on an individual level and discouraging across the board. So when it comes to the math of NBA All-Star voting, the calculation is simple.

“As hard as it is, the biggest thing is winning games,” Murphy III began, “but that will come as we go along and get better.”

It’s a measured response from a player who has every statistical reason to feel overlooked. Since November 8th, Murphy III has averaged 24.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals and blocks combined while shooting 52.9% from the field and 39.7% from 3-point range. These are the numbers that usually generate all stars.

Unfortunately, the Pelicans are 8-23 in that same stretch. The team fell to a 2-11 record since Christmas Eve, sitting in last place, while Murphy III’s exceptional play went largely unnoticed outside of New Orleans. Zion Williamson campaigned publicly for his teammate’s All-Star inclusion, but there hasn’t been much from the organization, especially when it comes to on-court support.

Both Williamson and Dejounte Murray, players with All-Star credentials and salary cap contracts, have been sidelined for much of the season with injuries. Murphy III understands the reality of the situation, even if it is frustrating.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to win games,” Murphy III shrugged. “It’s just realistic. If you don’t win games, you don’t get rewarded with personal accolades. So no matter how well I do, it doesn’t really matter because we don’t win games.”

Murphy III’s comments come at a crucial time for the Pelicans, who are struggling with more than just injuries. The 25-year-old tight end admitted it took him a few weeks to relax, especially amid the drama surrounding the upcoming coaching change. However, on Nov. 8 against the San Antonio Spurs, the future All-Star stepped up and earned some money and respect over Victor Vembanyama.

“Probably the Spurs game when I had (41 points). That’s when I started to feel like myself again, I guess,” Murphy III admitted. “I think the biggest thing was finding a routine, and now I feel like I’ve found a routine that works for me. It’s staying consistent.”

Trey Murphy III’s numbers scream for attention, a breakout star emerging from the bay. The record, however, silences the message. Still, the pragmatism about the situation speaks to a mature understanding of how the NBA works.

There is no bitterness in his confession, no complaints of neglect. Just the sheer appreciation that individual accolades are earned by team success, and the Pelicans simply haven’t provided that foundation this season. Playing like an All-Star doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an All-Star. Disrespect, if it exists, is not something he wears on his shooting sleeve.

That’s something the first-round gem is guarding, another reminder of what still needs to change in New Orleans before individual accomplishments can mean what they’re supposed to mean.