Trey Murphy III Left Out of Three-Point Contest Despite Breakout Shooting Season

When the NBA released its list of participants for this year’s Three-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend, the field featured several recognizable names and proven shooters. But one notable omission quickly caught the attention of fans and observers around the league: New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.

Murphy has quietly built a reputation as one of the most consistent perimeter threats in the NBA, stretching defenses with both volume and efficiency. His growth this season has coincided with an expanded role, transforming him from a complementary piece into one of the Pelicans’ primary scoring options.

By the numbers, his case for inclusion appears strong. He ranks near the top of the league in three-point percentage among high-volume shooters and has been one of the most prolific long-range scorers overall.

Still, when Saturday night’s contest tips off, Murphy will be watching rather than participating — a decision he addressed candidly after Monday’s win.

1. A Case Built on Numbers

Murphy’s shooting profile suggests a player tailor-made for a competition centered on precision and rhythm. He currently ranks 11th league-wide in three-point percentage at 38 percent, an impressive mark considering the difficulty and frequency of his attempts. Even more telling is the volume. Among players who attempt at least eight threes per game, Murphy sits sixth in efficiency, placing him in elite company. That blend of accuracy and willingness to fire has made him a constant threat on the perimeter. Night after night, he spaces the floor for New Orleans while also creating his own looks off movement and in transition. Defenders are forced to track him well beyond the arc, opening lanes for teammates. With 166 made three-pointers this season — sixth-most in the league — Murphy has delivered both consistency and production, two qualities typically rewarded in All-Star Weekend showcases.

2. Reaction to the Snub

After the Pelicans’ 120–94 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday, Murphy addressed the omission with a mix of humor and perspective. Asked whether he would have taken part if invited, his answer was immediate. “I would’ve participated if I was invited, for sure,” he said during his postgame media session. When a reporter followed up by asking whether he viewed the decision as a snub, Murphy smiled and deflected. “I’ll let you guys be the judge of that,” he replied, choosing not to dwell publicly on the slight. The exchange reflected a player aware of the situation but unwilling to let it become a distraction — a measured response that matched his steady on-court demeanor.

3. Growth Amid Team Struggles

Beyond his shooting, Murphy is enjoying the most productive season of his career. He’s averaging personal bests across the board: 22.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 3.3 made threes per game while logging nearly 36 minutes a night. His expanded role has required more than just spot-up shooting. Murphy has handled the ball more, attacked closeouts and contributed defensively, evolving into a well-rounded wing rather than a specialist. Still, individual success has come during a difficult year for the franchise. The Pelicans have struggled to string together wins and entered February with one of the league’s worst records, dampening the spotlight on Murphy’s breakout campaign. For his part, Murphy insists the focus remains internal. He emphasized continuing to improve and trusting that recognition will follow, even if events like the Three-Point Contest don’t materialize right away.