Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III Suffers Shoulder Injury, Out for Season

I wonder what happened New Orleans Pelican forward Trey Murphy III? The fourth-year player was in the middle of a breakout season before suffering a serious shoulder injury. His performance was a bright spot for the struggling Pelican, making his absence a major setback.

Here’s what Murphy’s injury, his career-high season and what it means for New Orleans to move forward.

What happened to Trey Murphy III?

The Pelican excluded Tray Murphy III from the front for the season after suffering from a tear and partial tear in the rotator cuff on his right shoulder.

Murphy dislocated his shoulder to the Pistons in the first quarter of Monday’s 127-81 loss, searching for a loose ball. He played a minute before the end. Pelican confirmed the diagnosis after further testing.

Murphy was in the middle of a career-high season, shooting 45.4% off the field with 52 games averaged 21.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists, and 36.1% off the field on 8.4 attempts per game (via NBA). His scoring average has increased by 6.4 points from last season. He also recorded his third straight season with at least 150 3-pointers. The Pelican says updates regarding his recovery will be provided if necessary.

The 6-foot-8 forward solidified his position as a key player in New Orleans and excelled as a 3-D wing. Last October, Murphy signed a four-year, $112 million rookie contract extension with the Pelican. He has significantly increased his role this season, mainly after coming out of the bench in the year before him.

The Pelicans have suffered injuries all season, and currently hold a 18-51 record for the remainder of 13 games. They’ve been out of playoff competition for a long time. Murphy’s absence further exacerbates the team’s difficulties in an already challenging season.