Troy Murphy, an American professional basketball player, enjoyed a career in the NBA that spanned over a decade. Born on May 2, 1980, in Morristown, New Jersey, Murphy developed his basketball skills at Delbarton School before playing college basketball at the University of Notre Dame. At Notre Dame, he quickly became a standout player, earning consensus All-American honors twice and establishing himself as one of the top college players in the nation.
In the 2001 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors selected Murphy with the 14th overall pick. He entered the league with a reputation for being a strong rebounder and a capable scorer, particularly known for his shooting ability as a power forward. Murphy's rookie season saw him gradually adjusting to the professional level, and he soon became a regular contributor for the Warriors.
Murphy's tenure with the Warriors was marked by his consistent performance on the court. He became known for his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, a skill that was becoming increasingly valuable in the evolving NBA landscape. During the 2004-2005 season, Murphy averaged a double-double, with 15.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
In January 2007, Murphy was traded to the Indiana Pacers as part of an eight-player deal. His time with the Pacers further solidified his reputation as a reliable power forward. Murphy continued to be a strong presence on the boards and maintained his scoring ability. The 2008-2009 season was particularly productive for him, as he averaged 14.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, ranking among the league leaders in rebounding.
Murphy's ability to shoot from long range was a defining aspect of his game. He was one of the early examples of a "stretch four," a power forward who could shoot three-pointers, which added a valuable dimension to his teams' offensive strategies. This skill set allowed him to remain a valuable asset in the league, even as he transitioned between teams.
In 2010, Murphy was traded to the New Jersey Nets, but his time there was short-lived. He was subsequently traded to the Golden State Warriors, the team that had originally drafted him, but he never played a game for them in his second stint. Instead, he was bought out of his contract and became a free agent.
Murphy signed with the Boston Celtics in March 2011, where he provided depth and experience to the team's frontcourt. After his stint with the Celtics, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2011-2012 season. With the Lakers, Murphy continued to contribute as a role player, providing shooting and rebounding off the bench.
The final stop in Murphy's NBA career came with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2012-2013 season. Although his playing time was limited, he remained a respected veteran presence in the locker room. After his time with the Mavericks, Murphy stepped away from professional basketball.
Throughout his NBA career, Troy Murphy played in over 700 games, averaging 10.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
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