AskNuggLove: Denver Nuggets Mailbag Roundtable

Could Jamal Murray’s limited amount of minutes be affecting the points off the bench?

Question submitted by Blake K (@BucketsBlak3)

Kyle Standfield: Yes, for sure. But as Nuggets color commentator Scott Hastings has said multiple times, it appears Jamal struggles with his own confidence during stretches that can last multiple games. He can put up points quickly when he is feeling it, but he also appears to perhaps over think things at times. It’s understandable, though. He is a young guy, in his first season in the league and is just trying to find his way and get his feet wet. His confidence will come, and when it does, he will force Coach Malone to find him more minutes.

Blake Holmes: Murray is a very streaky shooter, so yes and no. On some nights with more minutes, Murray could drop over 25 points, while on others, he could shoot 2-8 and finish up with five. I do believe he needs more minutes, as he will be good. I don’t believe that is affecting the points off of the bench too much though.

J.J Vega: Yes. Absolutely yes. If we compare the number of minutes that Murray was playing on November and the number he has been playing from December to this day, you can see the huge difference in his production. Jamal can score. And he’s definitely an important piece to the Nuggets roster. So, why not give him more time to develop and learn? Why not give him some extra minutes so he can bring some energy off the bench? This is why we drafted this kid, right? Let the bow and arrows manifest!

Mike Wilson: I don’t think so. Not yet anyhow. Jamal just needs to let the game slow down in his head like most rookies. Obviously, this will only happen with court time but do we sit Harris, Barton, Chandler for him at this point? He needs to show us more with the minutes he has before that happens.