The Pelicans are still looking for the right mix through a 0-2 start, and that has meant limited early floor time for one of their most effective pairings. Through New Orleans' first two games, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones have shared the floor for about eight minutes, while Murphy, Jones and Zion Williamson have played together for around two minutes.
That is a notable change for a duo that has been part of some of New Orleans' best recent basketball. Murphy and Jones came into the league together in 2021, developed into important contributors and helped the Pelicans reach the playoffs twice. Early this season, though, the team is trying to solve a few problems at once: defending better and finding offensive consistency.
Murphy's production also looks different from what New Orleans has grown used to. Through two games, he is averaging 10 points after putting up more than 21 points in each of the past two seasons. The usage drop has gone along with a slower offensive rhythm overall, and it has shown up in the numbers.
Murphy's early role has changed
Murphy has played four fewer minutes per game so far, and the shot volume has followed. His scoring is down to 10 points per game, and he has made 40% of his shots while attempting 14.6% from the field, compared with 22.9% before. He has also gotten to the line just one time through the first two games.
For Jamahl Mosley, the first two games have been about experimenting with combinations that can work. That includes figuring out how often Murphy and Jones should be on the floor together, and whether the trio with Williamson can produce enough offense without giving back too much on the other end.
The Pelicans do not need a long-term verdict after two games, but the early numbers do point to an important question: how quickly can New Orleans get back to the Murphy-Jones combinations that helped stabilize the team in the past? If the answer comes soon, the offense should look more balanced. If not, the search for the right lineup will continue.
