Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks to pass during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Jayson Tatum Makes Bold Prediction for Pelicans Star

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Terry Kimble | Last updated Feb 16, 2025 9:29 PM ET

For the second straight season, the New Orleans Pelicans will not be represented in Sunday's NBA All-Star game. The Pelicans currently have the worst record in the Western Conference at 13-42, and possibly their only potential All-Star, Zion Williamson, played in only 18 games during the first half of the season.

Despite the Pelicans' current state, they have the potential for a bright future with some of their young stars.

One of them is fourth-year sharpshooter Trey Murphy III, averaging career highs across the board this season. The former first-round pick has increased his scoring average by eight points this season to 22 points per game along with 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

With his current trajectory, it won't be long until the 6-foot-9 forward gets invited for Sunday's All-Star Game, and Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum thinks it could be as early as next year.

"You heard it first, [Trey Murphy III] is going to be here next year in the big game," Tatum said.

Tatum: “You going to be here next year?”

Trey: “Yea.”

Tatum: “You heard it first, he’s going to be here next year in the big game.”

Via- @NBA pic.twitter.com/nXqQusb3dJ
— Justin (@ProPelsTalk) February 15, 2025

Tatum knows something about making the All-Star team, as he's been the last six seasons himself. The Boston star also got a front-row seat to Murphy III's expanding game this year. Murphy III nearly pulled off the upset against the Celtics last month in New Orleans when he scored a game-high 40 points on 8/12 shooting from beyond the arc.

Tatum ultimately got the last laugh after hitting the game-winning shot right before time expired, helping the Celtics secure their eighth straight win over New Orleans.

The Pelicans and Murphy agreed to a four-year rookie extension before the season started, ensuring the sharpshooter remains in New Orleans for the foreseeable future.

TREY.

MURPHY.

III. https://t.co/BIunorK5tx pic.twitter.com/nVPLnW1WUU
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 6, 2025

New Orleans recently traded away former All-Star Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors, opening the door for Murphy III to get more opportunities to improve his game and show his fit next to Zion Williamson.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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