Trey Murphy III Speaks On 'Zion Williamson, The Teammate'

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III joined ESPN's "Keyshawn, JWill & Max" show before the 2023 NBA Draft.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III joined ESPN's "Keyshawn, JWill & Max" show before the 2023 NBA Draft.  Jay Williams started the conversation by asking a series of questions, "People are questioning what kind of teammate he is?  Is he around?  Does he spend time around the players at the organization?  Can you help us understand what kind of teammate Zion Williamson is?"

 "I was in New Orleans for the past two days. Two days ago, Zion was in the building with us." Murphy replied.  "And, every time I'm talking with him, it's always jokes. Always a lot of love.  He's watching me during my workout.  He's doing his own thing. Like whenever, whenever we're around each other is always a good time."

Most people centered around the Pelicans organization have witnessed the fun side of Zion Williamson, the person.  Following a 117-107 victory in Houston on Mar. 19, I recall Zion having a good time with his teammates in the locker room, and making fun of the media.  He is just doing what most young players would typically do in his situation. 

Murphy continued by saying, "There's a lot of things that the media says, and there's a lot of things that people might see from the outside looking in.  But they just don't know exactly the type of person he is.  He cares about his teammates a lot.  And, when he's out there competing with us, you can tell there's just a level of joy, you can see that is infectious, and he plays with so much energy.  It really just resonates with us."

Before tonight's draft, trade talks were brewing around Zion Williamson and even Brandon Ingram.  No blockbuster nor "franchise-altering" trades have yet to occur for the Pelicans, Zion most likely will remain on the team's roster for the 2023-24 regular season.  Which very well could become the healthy breakout season Pelicans fans have longed to see from the all-star power forward.