In an era where the path to professional sports often seems linear, Trey Murphy III’s story stands out as a testament to perseverance and unexpected turns. Before becoming a rising star with the New Orleans Pelicans, Murphy had a brief stint working at Chick-fil-A, a job that added an interesting chapter to his journey to the NBA.
Trey Murphy III, known for his sharpshooting skills and athletic prowess, wasn’t always on the fast track to basketball stardom. In fact, just a month before making it to the NBA, Murphy was serving customers at a Chick-fil-A. This experience, though short-lived, left a lasting impression on him. Murphy shared a memorable incident where a customer crushed a drink in his hands, prompting him to put in his two-week notice.
“I was giving a lady a drink one time and she crushed it in my hands… I had to contain myself and I was like you know what I’m putting in my 2 week notice.”
Trey Murphy III says he worked at Chick-fil-A for a month before making the NBA:
“I was giving a lady a drink one time and she crushed it in my hands… I had to contain myself and I was like you know what I’m putting in my 2 week notice.”
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Murphy’s transition from fast food to fast breaks was swift. Selected 17th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and subsequently traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, Murphy quickly made a name for himself. His work ethic and determination, perhaps honed during his time juggling work and basketball, became evident on the court.
Since joining the NBA, Murphy has shown significant growth. In the 2023-24 season, he posted career-high numbers, averaging 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
