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Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray’s NBA comparison is…

By James Siegle

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Who does Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets best resemble? His most-accurate mold isn’t Steph Curry…but a player nearly as exciting.

Murray’s game:

Entering his third season, Jamal Murray overflows with unlocked potential. The flashy guard progressed nicely in his sophomore campaign, averaging 16.7 points per game (ESPN). He appeared comfortable in his first year at starting point guard. Nuggets fans are excited for Jamal’s next leap in 2018-19.

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An electric attacker, Murray has proven himself an effective three-segment scorer. He possess a deadly three-ball, splashy mid-range jumper, and well-polished drive to the cup.

Murray’s three-point shooting received top-notch recognition in his lone year at Kentucky. This skill transferred to the NBA…Murray poses a constant  deep-ball threat, knocking down 2.0 treys per game last season (ESPN). His shooting spaces the floor, discouraging opponents from double-teaming Jokic. Jamal’s shot tends to lag as the game progresses, however (43.0 3P% Q1 vs. 31.8 3P% Q4). Better consistency should bump him over the 40 percent clip for 2018-19.

Jamal’s mid-range game is perhaps his greatest strength thus far. Per Basketball Reference, Murray netted 48 percent from 10 to 16 feet last year. Off the pick-and-roll, Jamal often drains his 15-footer when defenses overplay the drive. In isolation, Murray thrives dribbling directly at the defense before stepping back and splashing. In today’s three-or-dunk era, the mid-range makes Jamal a unique scorer. Look for him to continue growing this facet of his game.

In addition to his stud shooting ability, Murray possess excellent driver tools. Jamal is a strong ball-handler, with sneaky quickness and explosive athleticism. These factors help Murray capitalize on dribble-drives and basket-cuts alike.  Both are important…Murray plays point guard, yet often finds himself converting a Jokic dime. Jamal shows no fear at the rim, using his athleticism to finish plays. Murray should continue to develop his slashing game, as he fits the mold for Denver’s eventual fourth-quarter isolation scorer.

Murray’s NBA Comparison: Damian Lillard

Many compare Jamal Murray to a poor-man’s Steph Curry. This is a valid resemblance. However, upon in-depth analysis of Murray’s game, Portland guard Damian Lillard serves as a better reference point.

Dame is one of the league’s best at combining shooting, ball-handling and athleticism to get buckets in a major way. A high-volume offensive talent, Lillard averaged 26.9 points and drained 3.1 three-pointers per game last year (ESPN). He is known across the league for stellar shooting, crafty pull-ups, and athletic drives. It isn’t uncommon for Dame to hit a trey-ball, and then convert at the rim during Portland’s next possession.

Murray is a very good shooter…however he doesn’t only score with the three-ball. Like Lillard, Jamal often converts by way of mid-range jumper, floater or athletic lay-in. Blue Arrow isn’t a Steph-caliber shooter, but he certainly possesses more athleticism than Curry (27 dunks to Curry’s 1 last season – BasketballReference). The Murray-Steph comparison is fun…but Jamal’s game closer resembles Dame’s.

On a futuristic note, Lillard serves as an ample ceiling for Murray. Another Steph-like shooter may never happen again. As good as Dame may be, Jamal could someday catch him. Murray has the tools to reach this point…the only blockage involves the Nuggets’ talent offensively.

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Nonetheless, look for Jamal to take one step closer to Dame in 2018-19.

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