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Two mid-1st round forwards from the 2021 draft. Different playstyles but are both on the rise. Who's the better player now, who projects a higher ceiling, and who would you rather have?

flintsky21 wrote:Two mid-1st round forwards from the 2021 draft. Different playstyles but are both on the rise. Who's the better player now, who projects a higher ceiling, and who would you rather have?

Really not sure, If I had to pick then I will go Trey because his more versatile on O.

I would take Jalen Johnson, Trey is good, but JJ is more unique I think.

Both are great players. Trey wins the efficiency battle, and is probably a better all around player on both ends. But I want Jalen Johnson when I have a high level pick and roll savvy guard. I want Jalen Johnson alongside a stretch 5 that can also play some defense. JJ slots into that roller 4 archetype perfectly, and some teams need that more than a Trey Murphy.

I'm personally taking Trey if there are no other factors, but on the right team I'm taking Jalen.

Trey is probably better now but I don't think his ceiling is much higher. JJ on the other hand has plenty of room to continue growing imo. I'd take Johnson

Jalen Johnson and it's not even close.

I dont really see an argument for trey. JJ is the obvious choice here and by a wide margin.

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Trey Murphy is really good. It's just no one watches the Pels.

Trey's shooting ability makes it easier to slot him in next to other high-level players, but Jalen Johnson currently has way more game.

JJ was a monster last year as a driving playmaker and high-flying finisher. The 2025 Hawks were actually not bad when Jalen was on the floor, something no other Hawks starter can boast.

Trey finally got to show us the full package, while being a bit of a tank commander for a crippled Pelicans team. I love the shooting and athletic driving, and think he moves his feet well on the perimeter. He doesn't have JJ's playmaking at all though. I think JJ is also currently the better defender (he gives you some decent rim protection), but both have a lot to prove.

Jalen is the better rollman, cutter, postup guy, passer and generally doing big man physical things at a higher level. Trey is a better shooter (spot up, movement, handoff action), and has had more reps in iso and as a PNR ballhandler.

bisme37 wrote:Trey Murphy is really good. It's just no one watches the Pels.

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The highlights show how far his handles have come. He came into the league as a 3&D prospect, now look at him repeatedly shake Derrick frickin White, and finish over Kristaps 7'3" Porzingis repeatedly.

I really like the idea of healthy Zion and Trey Murphy as a complimentary duo. I just have little faith in the Pelicans being healthy or putting the right pieces around them.

Jalen Johnson has to put together a productive season where plays 30+mpg for at least 60 games before there's any comparison to draw. Murphy hasn't been the embodiment of health himself, but Johnson has been off the court so much, it's hard to determine whether his flashes are sustainable.

Trey is a monster. I believe he will finish at least one season as the best 3 point shooter in the league at about 6’9 and super athletic. He’s gotten much bigger and stronger too. They both need to stay healthy so we can actually see what they are capable of.

Troy Murphy - combines the best from two worlds