Knicks Rumors: Trey Murphy III officially on NY’s radar for 2021 NBA Draft

Just the news I wanted to hear…my favorite prospect, Trey Murphy III, that should land within the Knicks‘ range is officially on the team’s radar.

A combo-forward out of Virginia, the 6-foot-9 sharpshooter is everything a team could ask for out of a 3-and-D player at either the small or power forward positions.

Trey Murphy III is on the Knicks’ radar for the 2021 NBA Draft

The Knicks worked out Murphy alongside another good defender and shooter in Chris Duarte on Friday, July 23rd.

Marc Berman of the NY Post had this to say:

"Murphy has risen up the mock-draft boards from an early second-round pick last month. Williford (Murphy’s coach at Virginia) believes, according to his intel, his name will be called between 17 and 30.Six weeks ago, Murphy, listed at a still-light 206 pounds, wasn’t sure he’d stay in the draft.Murphy shot 43.3 percent from 3-point range and averaged 11.3 points in his lone season with Virginia in 2020-21. He also shot 92.7 percent from the free-throw line.“He can guard multiple positions — 2-to-4 for sure — and sometimes 1-to-4 with all the switching,’’ Williford said. “I see him as a floor spacer. Cam Johnson [of Phoenix] comes to mind. Similar size, similar ability to shoot the ball. He’s that wing-hybrid forward.’’"

It’s crazy to think that the kid wasn’t sure if he was going to stay declared for the 2021 NBA Draft just about a month and a half ago, but ever since scouts and coaching staffs have been able to get their hands on him, he’s skyrocketed up draft boards.

Once considered an early 2nd round talent, now it seems that there’s little to no way he makes it past the Knicks’ picks at 19 and 21.

I’ve been saying that Murphy reminds me of Phoenix’s Cam Johnson for months now, and from the look of things, he may end up that much better by the time he makes it to his 3rd NBA season.

Berman also mentioned:

"He’s right up the Knicks’ alley as Tom Thibodeau’s squad is seeking wings that can shoot from deep. That is if he can handle the defensive end. Knicks general manager Scott Perry doesn’t want to draft the next Kevin Knox, who is turning into a lottery bust. The scuttlebutt within scouting circles is Murphy could use more toughness — also the knock on Knox.But scouts and coaches love the athleticism, quickness that potentially can have Murphy guarding anyone at the perimeter."

There aren’t many players that fit every single criterion of what a Coach Tom Thibodeau-led team would be looking for.

Murphy fits the bill.

If the Knicks don’t eventually package their two first-rounds in an attempt to move up in the draft, Trey Murphy III may be rocking a new orange and blue uni come Thursday evening.