The hype train has left the station, and Pelicans rookie forward Trey Murphy made sure he was aboard out at the Las Vegas Summer League.
The No. 17 overall pick poured in a game-high 26 points on 6-for-9 shooting from three-point range as the Pelicans recovered from a halftime deficit to win 94-97 in their opener at the summer showcase.
Fellow rookie Herbert Jones logged six points, five rebounds and four assists in his own debut. His former Alabama teammate Kira Lewis Jr. had 11 points and 7 assists, and former two-way player Naji Marshall logged 18 points, 3 steals, 5 rebounds and 2 assists of his own.
The game marked the first action directed by new Pelicans coach Willie Green, who said he'd be coaching the Summer League roster to get familiar with his new players and a headstart on installing his offense.
The performance, which didn't feature stars Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram or newly acquired Jonas Valanciunas or Devonte' Graham won't be enough to springboard the Pelicans into newfound excitement, but it is a good start for a team looking for a new identity under its third coach in as many seasons.
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