Pelicans Podcast: Grubb Goes 'One-on-One' with Trey Murphy's Father, Kenny Murphy Jr.

Pelicans Scoop's writer David Grubb has an interview with New Orleans Pelicans' guard Trey Murphy III's father, Kenny Murphy Jr.

Pelicans Scoop's writer David Grubb has an interview with New Orleans Pelicans' guard Trey Murphy III's father, Kenny Murphy Jr.

The New Orleans' 2021 rookie class has contributed to placing the Pelicans in a position to clinch a spot in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.

Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado have already gained cult-like followings with their defensive prowess. The third member of the class, its highest-drafted member, Trey Murphy III, didn't enjoy the same success out of the gate. He doesn't yet have his own hashtag.

Over his last 13 games, Murphy has raised his level of play, posting averages of 8.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting just under 41 percent from three-point range. His 36.5% shooting from this distance on the season ranks fourth among all rookies with at least 50 games played.

I wanted insight into Trey's progression and his experiences as a rookie, so I spoke with his father, Kenny Murphy Jr., who has been on the road watching the Pels during their current four-game west coast swing.

For the full interview, download Hard in the Paint with David Grubb on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean.

Notes from the Interview

• On providing a strong support system: "One thing I've learned in this whole process is how much under the spotlight these young men are coming into the NBA, it could eat you up. So from that sense, we've just tried to be there for Trey."

• First impressions of Pelicans organization: "He had dinner with Griff and Trajan and Bryson, and I could just tell after that interaction, Trey was just like he was on Cloud Nine. So, I felt good that he felt good about New Orleans."

• The draft: "Only thing I told the agent…I want him to go to the place that loves him the most and who believes in him because I knew Trey was going to take time. The Agent said, 'well if you want to go to the place where they love him the most, he'll be a Pelican.'"

• Why he likes Willie Green: "It's just the way that he comes across, the way he communicates, the way he is able to get the best out of it. He's seeing things in that group that they didn't' necessarily think they saw themselves. That was the thing that I noticed."

• Trey's relationship with the other young Pels (Herb, Jose, Naji): "They're very close knit and I think they feed well off one another. It's great symmetry between those four."

• Early season struggles: "He was just thinking too much and trying to process everything and just not playing, just not letting everything come to him, and I think it manifested in him pressing."

• Work ethic: "He's at the facility by 9:45. He's at least getting an hour or so of working with Corey Brewer before they start practice, and in then he stays after practice, so he put that extra work in."

• Staying confident: "Trey has a lot of confidence in himself, maybe sometimes too much, but a lot of confidence in himself. (When he wasn't playing) I told his mom this is gonna be the best thing for Trey. I think because it's going to make him so hungry, and it's going to make him be able to seize that opportunity when the opportunity comes."

• The coaching staff: I don't think they ever waver on him. They're so instrumental and just so supportive…Trey comes home, and he's talking about Corey (Brewer), he's talking about Brandon (Demas), T-Spoon, and just the different supports and different people who give him encouragement."

• The best thing about how Trey's playing now: "I think the biggest satisfaction for me is that he has finally realized that he can impact the game even if he doesn't shoot the ball well. Did I see this? Two months ago, no, I don't think anybody did. I don't think anybody saw him closing games, but I think it speaks to where Trey is going." 

• Is he happy with how the season is going?: "Before Trey got in the league, I just wanted him to be in a good locker room. We're just fortunate and blessed that he is in this locker room because there's such good men in there."

• On New Orleans fan support: "I can say this with in a all honesty, I've never been to a city that is nicer, that is more passionate.If you ride for New Orleans, NOLA's gonna ride for you. It's just the passion that these fans have; not only for the team, but just for the community."

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