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Why Jamal Murray’s commitment is good for Canada and the Denver Nuggets

By Rowan Fisher-Shotton

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 26: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball down court during the first quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 26, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 26: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball down court during the first quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 26, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Gardner/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 17: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after tying the game against the Washington Wizards during the final seconds of the second half at Capital One Arena on February 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 17: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after tying the game against the Washington Wizards during the final seconds of the second half at Capital One Arena on February 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Now it’s time to look at the other half of the equation; how does this benefit the Denver Nuggets?

As previously mentioned, Jamal Murray is going to be relied on as one of the leaders of this young core of players.

RJ Barrett and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are equal in terms of raw talent, though they have far less professional experience. While Dillon Brooks, Cory Joseph, Kelly Olynyk and Dwight Powell have all played more years on the international stage. But have done so in limited fashion, primarily playing supportive roles.

This means that we can expect to see Jamal Murray take over as one of the leaders on and off the court for Team Canada over the course of the next three years. Something that should help him grow and become a stronger leader for the Denver Nuggets as well.

It’s no secret that the Nuggets will only go as far as Nikola Jokic takes them. However, any team vying for an NBA championship needs multiple leaders to flourish. So, with Jamal Murray committing to help lead Team Canada over the next three years. He will gain some invaluable leadership experience for a successful basketball program. Which should translate over to his ability to help the Denver Nuggets reach that next level and compete for an NBA title.

Then there’s the fact that Murray will be getting some reps in before the start of next season.

We haven’t seem Jamal Murray play since April 2021. So, the fact that he’s going to be getting some reps in as early as this summer is fantastic news. Chances are Nick Nurse and the Canadian coaching staff will be cautious bringing Murray back into the fold. But he’s arguably the most talented player on the roster, and will be heavily relied on as one of the team’s go-to scoring options.

Canada will compete from June 30th through to July 4th in just a few short weeks time and Murray is expected to be at full strength for this summer’s qualifiers. Meaning that Denver Nuggets’ fans will get to see their star guard in action for the first time in over a year.

This is the perfect scenario for the Denver Nuggets because Murray will get the chance to come back against some legitimate competition this summer. Which will help him be ready to go by the start of the NBA regular season. Setting him up beautifully for what should be a resurgent 2023 campaign.

Next. Is it actually championship-or-bust for the Nuggets?. dark

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