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5 players who saw their stock rise during NBA Summer League

By Holden Walter-Warner

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 26: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Moda Center on January 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 26: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Moda Center on January 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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5 players who saw their stock rise during NBA Summer League
Dec 10, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center, 5 players who saw their stock rise during NBA Summer League. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

5 players who saw their stock rise during NBA Summer League: 3. Trey Murphy, New Orleans Pelicans

Trey Murphy seemingly goes out and dominates Summer League every year. This year’s performance should earn him more playing time next season with the New Orleans Pelicans and a trip to tropical paradise next summer, rather than more competition.

Murphy only played in two games this summer, but that was enough time for him to drop 53 points. It should’ve been more, as Murphy struggled from three, making less than a third of his attempts.

That being said, there probably isn’t much concern about his three-point shot, as he hit 38.2 percent of them last season. He was probably just shaking off the offseason rust.

Meanwhile, Murphy showed an expanded offensive game beyond camping on the perimeter. He put the ball on the court and pushed to get to the line. Last regular season, a third of Murphy’s shots came from three; this Summer League, it was less than half.

The three-point shot is still the most valuable skill in the NBA. But expanding Murphy’s repertoire means he’ll be more versatile, and defenders won’t have as easy of a time locking in on the forward.

Murphy is a player who feels like he’s been on the cusp of making the leap. He added to his playing time and scoring ability when the lights were brightest, hitting a massive 47.4 percent of his threes during New Orleans’ brief playoff run last season.

This summer, Murphy showed he can do more than what was previously expected. In New Orleans’ eyes, he has to be considered a player on the rise.