>Perhaps stand up is not what he does best. He's a comedic
>actor and not really a stand up comedian.


There's a natural talent required for all kinds of comedy, including standup, but performing a good standup routine takes alot of skill (delivery, pacing, reading the mood of the crowd. etc), which can involve years worth of practice.

Some standup comedians turned actors still do some standup to maintain their skills but Murphy has been completely out of standup for decades now. Him trying to pick it back up during the SNL's 40th IS just like Jordan trying his hand at baseball in his 30's. He likely still has the natural talent but it would take awhile for him to redevelop the skills he'd need.