Like most rookies, Trey Murphy faced a difficult adjustment to the NBA, writes Ethan Fuller of Basketball News. After being a star in college, the 17th pick in last year’s draft saw minimal playing time during his first few months with the Pelicans. That changed in March and April as the team went on a late-season run and advanced past the play-in tournament, but Murphy admits the start of his career was challenging.
“Those times when I was struggling [and] wasn’t playing a lot — that’s when I really learned a lot about myself and just staying the course, because the NBA is so much of a mental aspect and a mental game that you have to worry about,” Murphy said. “You could be doing a lot of good stuff physically and on the court, but if your mentals aren’t right, there’s gonna be a lot of stuff that’s happening that won’t affect you in a positive way.”
Murphy eventually became a regular part of the rotation in New Orleans, averaging 19.5 minutes per game after March 9 while contributing 9.7 points and 3.4 rebounds and shooting 43.8% from three-point range. Heading into his second NBA season, Murphy has increased his weight to 215 pounds and showed in Summer League that he’s willing to take on contact.
“I’m just getting a lot smarter too,” he said. “Just knowing what’s coming next, so you’re able to brace for things; you’re able to absorb force as well as distribute force when need be.”
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Jake LaRavia fizzled out during Summer League after sinking four three-pointers in his first game, but the Grizzlies aren’t concerned about his lack of production, according to Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Kennedy Chandler was the only legitimate point guard on the team this summer, and the Grizzlies are confident that LaRavia will get plenty of open shots playing alongside Ja Morant.
- The Rockets and Kevin Porter Jr. are both hoping to reach an extension agreement before the new season starts, Kelly Iko of the Athletic states in a look at players around the league who have the most to prove. Whether the extension happens or not, Houston is counting on Porter to prove that he can be the team’s long-term answer at point guard.
- The Spurs appear headed for their worst season in 25 years and will need some good fortune to turn things around quickly, writes Mike Finger of The San Antonio Express-News.
Rockets are trying to patch together a rebuild and I think it’s forced
Kevin Porter JR is an unprofessional clown and won’t do any good to the team. Props to the Cavs for getting rid of him when he was disrespecting the management and coaches. Dude making millions but acting like a street thug smh.
I think Jalen and Jabari are a good start. Not to mention Sengun.
Rockets have been piecing the team together and drafting options yearly. 6 first round picks in 2 years is phenomenal and gives the rockets a chance to get 2-3 potential building stones out of the 6 picks. So far the options of Christopher, Green, and Sengun from last year have been good. This years draft expands the options for starting 5 or being bench options. Personally, I think Christopher will be a solid 6th main and similar what Gordon has been. I don’t think it’s forced at all. It’s finding pieces that work and KPJ might be on a short leash. I don’t see an extension between Rockets and KPJ. I really don’t think he’s what the Rockets need at PG. I am more curious to see what options the rockets drafted can do with Green, Christopher, and Sengun
Not to mention Tate Jr in the group with Green, Christopher, and Sengun. Rockets may not have a super star like a Curry, Zion, James, and others. They tried to sneak one in with KPJ like they with James Harden. It’s nearly time to turn the page on KPJ and find a different answer. Sengun maybe the guy that becomes a super star from what we watched last season. Nothing against Tate Jr, Christopher, and Green on them and their talent. I think Sengun needs to be groomed a bit more and he will become a super star. Green is offensive first guy and we know that. Christopher as a starter has be a bit nervous when playing other super stars in the league. Some are a bit better than Christopher and that has me thinking he’d fit perfectly in a Eric Gordon like role. This latest draft picks give the Rockets another look to see if they can find another possible super star and where they can play. First round picks last year 2 guards and one f/c. This last draft 2 forwards and one guard. Odds are, Rockets are looking for the right core and build off them.
Spurs would have BI as center piece of their rebuild if they would’ve accepted the Lakers package for Kawhi.
The current commissioner is hurting the small market teams by allowing stars to call the shots, force trades and team up instead of competing with each other’s.
Team owners better renegotiate that CBA rules before it gets worse.
Which owner is going to draw the line and give up all the spoiled millionaires coming to his team? Congrats to Brooklyn for being able to say bulls**t to KD. If he pulls a Harden and tries to half-ass his way out of town, suspend him. He will develope Ben Simmons’ mental issues.