Brutal Break for Pelicans and Young Star Trey Murphy III

The offseason is a time when players strive to get in top physical shape for the coming season. But sometimes, those summer workouts can result in unfortunate injuries. That's the case for New Orleans Pelicans' rising young forward Trey Murphy III, who has suffered a meniscus injury to his left knee.

ESPN Sources: New Orleans Pelicans G Trey Murphy III suffered a meniscus injury to his left knee during a workout today and will undergo further testing. It is immediately unclear whether he’ll require surgery. pic.twitter.com/34kB1sb4vk
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 5, 2023

As reported by NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, it's not yet known if Murphy will have to go under the knife to repair the meniscus. He'll undergo further evaluation to determine the next steps. Surgery would take him out for the first few months of the season. A non-surgical treatment might only cost him 6-to-8 weeks.

In just his second year in the NBA, Murphy exploded by increasing his points-per-game by nearly 10, from 5.4 as a rookie to 14.5 last season. He also shot 40.6% from three, and over 90% from the line, while adding 3.6 boards and 1.4 assists.

In the entire history of the NBA, there have been 1,761 instances in which a player attempted at least 100 two-pointers, 250 three-pointers, and 100 free throws in a season.

The only player to shoot at least 40% 3PT, 60% 2PT, and 90% FT?

Trey Murphy III pic.twitter.com/319Et5TXjj
— Danny Neckel (@DNeckel19) April 11, 2023

The aptly-named Trey became the only Pelicans player in history to have nine treys in a game more than once in a season, and also became the only player in NBA HISTORY to shoot at least 40% on threes, 60% on two-point FG, and 90% from the line when attempting at least 100 twos, 250 threes and 100 free throws.

The Pelicans will no doubt miss him for whatever time he is out. A tough break for a team that has had no shortage of injury troubles in recent years (see: Williamson, Zion).

Photo: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports