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Denver Nuggets: Comparing Jamal Murray to Three “Better” Rookies

By Nathan Beighle

Oct 14, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) guards Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) guards Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dive for a loose ball during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dive for a loose ball during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Kris Dunn vs Jamal Murray

This is of the more intriguing matchups as these two were able to already meet in the preseason and in the Las Vegas Summer League. They are also inner-division rivals, so these two will have a fair share of each other throughout their rookie seasons.

Dunn was the standout point guard of this years draft after several years at Providence. He is much older and a much better defender than Murray. Although older in this new-day NBA is usually frowned upon, Dunn will have the capability this season to prove that older can mean better.

With that said, let’s take a look at how the Dunn’s stats line up to Murray’s so far this preseason.

Again Murray’s involvement in the offense does yield a higher usage percentage (22.5%) than Dunn’s (20.7%). Murray has been a force this preseason and even against other highly regarded rookies, his numbers still seem to impress.

At the same time, Murray and Dunn play different roles. With players like Shabazz Muhammad coming off the bench in Minnesota, Dunn is asked to be a setup man while Murray has been asked to score at will like he is capable of. The end result of coach Malone giving Murray the bright green light is number like these that prove his potential talent.

Related Story: Nuggets-Wolves: 3 Key Takeaways

The roles do mess with the stats a little, but it is becoming more clear that Murray is outplaying even the best contemporary competition.

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