The Pelicans are still a few weeks out from meaningful basketball, but they've already been hit by unfortunate injury news.
Third-year forward Trey Murphy III suffered a torn meniscus in his knee during an offseason workout this week, according to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The severity of the injury is unknown and occurred at the team practice facility.
The next question will be the path to recovery and whether the injury will require surgery. The Pelicans kick off their preseason on Oct. 10, and the regular season on the road in Memphis on Oct. 25.
New Orleans basketball has seemed to be on an upward trajectory the past few seasons, but much of that progress has been undone with injuries. Murphy has formed a core of impressive young players and took major steps forward in Year 2 since being drafted out of Virginia, increasing his averages across the board with 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 90% free throw shooting and a 40% clip from 3-point range.
The Pelicans at one point last season found themselves atop the Western Conference, but hit a freefall midway through the season with stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram out with injuries. Williamson did not return in the second half of the season, but is expected to be healthy and ready to go for the 2023-'24 campaign.
