James Borrego Fuels Trey Murphy III’s ‘Huge’ All-Star Rise

The draft defense Trey Murphy III it used to be simple, if terrifying. Find the 2021 first-round pick in transition, keep him in the half court and under no circumstances allow the 6-foot-8 flamethrower a clear look beyond the arc. This season, and especially with James Borrego at the head New Orleans Pelicans rookiethat scouting report was ripped up, burned and tossed to the wind in All-Star fashion.

Murphy III is no longer just a shooter. He’s also an All-Star-caliber weapon, and the league is scrambling for answers. The numbers tell a story of consistent excellence that strives for dominance. Season averages of 20.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 combined steals/blocks have already painted the picture of a strong two-way wing.

In December, Murphy III shifted into high gear, averaging 22.1 points on a blistering 39.7% from deep, along with 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.9 steals. The Virginia alum doesn’t just score more points; he orchestrates more, confirming his evolution from specialist to star. The the key to this jumpas Borrego noted, is the death of the one-dimensional scouting report.

“(Trey Murphy III) has become such a weapon out there,” Borrego began. “He’s a multi-level scorer, he takes what the game gives. Now he’s seeing different contributions. Obviously, everybody’s trying to hug him and drive him off the line.”

The league’s respect for his historically excellent shooting has forced the next phase of his development. With defenders glued to his jersey on the perimeter, Murphy was forced to expand his game, and the results were spectacular. One area is undeniable.

“His arm has gotten a lot better this year when he’s playing on the rebound,” Borrego noted. “I think he’s grown in a huge way. We saw that the other night. No matter how he’s played, he finds a way to impact the game.”

This newfound versatility is at the heart of the Murphy III case.

When teams execute their game plan perfectly, Murphy now counters with a poised drive, a slick roller pass or a powerful finish at the rim. The Virginia alum consistently solves a set of defensive puzzles, the hallmark of any true All-Star.

“It’s his ability to continue to impact the game at the rim and in transition,” Borrego explained. “Obviously the three is important.

You can knock him off the line, only to find he’s developed the strength and arm to finish with contact. You can knock down the color, and he will make a real shot. You can try to slow down and he will throw you to the ground. Yet perhaps Borrego’s most telling comment points to the future and the remaining ceiling.

“Such tremendous growth from him, and he’s going to continue to grow throughout the year. With more reps, more coverage…,” Borrego asked, “with a physical defender on him, how does he continue to impact the game?”

That question is no longer theoretical. Trey Murphy III impacts the game by refusing to be limited. He has transformed from a consummate specialist into a complete, two-way force whose bursts are no longer fleeting, but the reason the Pelicans will succeed.