Could Murphy's Injury Give Hawkins Time To Shine?

The unfortunate injury news to Trey Murphy III may allow the rookie to get additional playing time to start the season.

New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans received terrible news when rising star Trey Murphy III suffered a meniscus injury during a recent workout. Murphy III underwent surgery and expects to miss at least 8-10 weeks. According to the timetable, he is expected to return by mid-November.

How Coach Wille Green replaces Murphy III's shooting prowess and spacing within the offense remains to be seen. Sharpshooting rookie guard Jordan Hawkins seems like a candidate who may get additional minutes to fill the Pelicans shooting void. Shooting is an area of concern New Orleans specifically wanted to address in the offseason, and drafting Hawkins No. 14 in this past draft is a step in that direction.

Last season, the Pelicans ranked second-to-last in the NBA with 30 three-point attempts per game. Murphy III was second on the team with 6.3 three-point attempts. Only point guard CJ McCollum (7.2) attempted more shots from beyond the arc. Guard Jose Alvarado was a distant third with four tries from three. 

Mar 25, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) shoots a three point basket against Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Hawkins was a sniper from three-point range in college. During his final season at UConn, he shot 38.8% from distance while connecting on over 100 three-pointers. His 7.8 attempts per contest from behind the perimeter would have led the New Orleans last season. He showed a multitude of ways to score shooting from deep in college.

According to Synergy, in Hawkins' sophomore year with the Huskies, he ranked in the 88th percentile off catch-and-shoot possessions (1.23 PPP), 84th percentile off-screens (1.176 PPP), and in the 97th percentile off spot-ups (1.298).

The Pelicans' rookie lacks Murphy's size at 6-8 and 7-foot+ wingspan. Hawkins measures a little over 6-4, so physically, he doesn't match Murphy's athleticism. Hawkins struggled in college with creating shots of the dribble for himself. His shooting percentage went down to 32.7% when shooting off the dribble.

Trey Murphy III gained tremendous confidence from Year One to Year Two by putting the ball on the floor and finishing at the rim. With the lack of pure shooting on the Pelicans roster, Hawkins must develop a similar mindset of attacking the rim as defenses close hard on him.

One advantage is he will not be asked to shoulder the offensive load. With the return of a healthy Zion Williamson, teamed with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, Hawkins can be a floor spacer, keeping defenses honest with his shooting ability. Playing early in the season can give a rookie the confidence to perform when called upon later.