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Can Jamal Murray take the next step?

By Mathew Huff

DENVER, CO - APRIL 3: Michael Malone, Nikola Jokic #15 , and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets high five during the game against the Indiana Pacers on April 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 3: Michael Malone, Nikola Jokic #15 , and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets high five during the game against the Indiana Pacers on April 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets have a gem on their hands in Jamal Murray.

With this being said, the Denver Nuggets have to make sure they manage Jamal Murray this coming season. They were lucky enough to make sure he did not fall into a sophomore slump and made a huge jump in scoring average.

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Per basketball reference, Murray went from averaging 9.9 points per game to 16.7 points per game, which is the same realm of Nikola Jokic and Gary Harris averaged last season, the other two best players on their team.

This year will be Murray’s third season in the league and the Kentucky sensation will be looking to unleash “The Blue Arrow,” even more. He has been compared to a young Steph Curry often and for good reason. Curry in his first two seasons averaged 17.5 points per game and 18.6 in his sophomore season. Obviously Curry was better in his first year, but his second season very similar in terms of scoring.

With Murray being more comfortable at the point guard spot, it will be interesting to see how potent of an offensive weapon he is this coming season. He has insane range and consistency from deep (37.8% from three last season), and could make a case for Most Improved Player depending on how big of a jump he makes in his development.

While NBA fans continue to overrate Lonzo Ball, the Nuggets faithful is high on Jamal Murray and for good reason. He improved his offensive rating from his rookie season to a rating of 112 from 103. Not to mention, he improved his offensive win shares from 0.6 to 4.3 and also averaged a true shooting percentage of 57.6%.

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Many expect Nikola Jokic to have a big year next season and rightfully so, but do not be surprised if Jamal Murray makes a big jump as well.

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