Pelicans’ Murphy III Mentors Rising NBA Prospect Bryant
Spurs’ 14th Pick Credits Forward for Guidance
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III has revealed his role in shaping the trajectory of emerging talent Carter Bryant, who was recently selected 14th overall in the 2025 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
Bryant’s Collegiate Success and Summer League Stint
Last season, **Bryant** was instrumental in leading Arizona to the Sweet 16. He averaged 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and an assist per game, while shooting 37.1% from beyond the arc. He reached double-digit scoring in five contests, including a season-high 14 points. **Bryant** recently participated in six summer league games for the Spurs, posting 7.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, showcasing his offensive potential and defensive capabilities.
An Unlikely Mentor-Mentee Connection
The bond between **Murphy III** and **Bryant** began at the Nike Skills Academy. **Murphy III** had already noticed **Bryant’s** raw talent, influenced by his trainer, **Olin “The Guard Whisperer” Simplis**, and connections through **Nickeil Alexander-Walker**.
“I had seen him earlier because his trainer, Olin (Simplis), “The Guard Whisperer,” used to work him out, and I knew him because of Nickeil (Alexander-Walker). I would see clips of him, and I was like, ‘This kid has a chance. He is going to be pretty good because he already had the size and the skill with it.’ I was talking to him at Nike Skills and we just stayed in contact. Throughout the year at Arizona, he would ask for advice and stuff like that. I would just try to help him through stuff and talk to him. I know, for me coming up, I would always love when older people would spit knowledge and give me game because it is free knowledge.”
—Trey Murphy III
Murphy III continued to offer guidance throughout Bryant’s freshman year at Arizona. This mentorship is particularly valuable as Bryant now prepares to learn from a talented Spurs roster featuring Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
The 6-foot-7 forward is recognized for his scoring prowess, playmaking skills, and defensive versatility. His ability to space the floor was evident in his 12 games last season with Arizona, where he made at least two three-pointers. In the NBA, the average field goal percentage for players entering the league from college has hovered around 45% in recent seasons, highlighting the area for growth in Bryant’s shooting game (StatMuse 2024).
Spurs Building for the Future
**Bryant** joins a San Antonio Spurs organization poised for growth. His development, with potential guidance from established players and his established mentorship from **Murphy III**, positions him as a key piece for the franchise’s future.
