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Jamal Murray: One glaring hole in his game

By Mathew Huff

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles upcourt during the second half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles upcourt during the second half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Jamal Murray is one of Denver’s young gems, but there is one aspect he still sorely lacks in his game.

Jamal Murray has already became a Mile High favorite in just one season. With a solid rookie campaign and sky high potential, many fans are ready to see what the future beholds for the young Kentucky sensation.

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While it is only his second year of his career and he has plenty of time to polish his craft, he needs to improve in this one facet if the team wants to succeed this year. This would be defense. Murray has never been known to be a lock down defender. However, he can still improve in this area to become a decent one.

Last season, per basketball-reference.com, Murray averaged a defensive rating of 114 and only grabbed 0.6 steals per game. These numbers must be higher this year if he wants to eventually progress to being an all around player. If these numbers aren’t enough, his steal percentage from his rookie season was at 1.4% and possessed a defensive win share of 0.7.

Compared to his back court counterpart, Gary Harris, he has a ways to go defensively. Granted, it is a bit unfair to compare his defensive production to the team’s best perimeter defender, but it is something for Murray to strive for as he develops. Harris could give him pointers and take the young point guard under his wing and help him improve on the defensive end of the court.

If he does this and Murray buys into the overall picture, then Murray will become the Nuggets’ next big star. Many say he has Steph Curry potential and if he keeps working hard like he has been and channels this energy more towards his defense, then the league better be afraid.

Next: Nuggets' complacency problem still relevant

If Murray can fix this part of his game, then he can solidify his future as a long term Nugget.

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