Team Canada and the Denver Nuggets have high aspirations between now and 2024. What does Murray’s commitment mean for the future of both of these programs?
On May 24th, Canada Basketball announced that 14 players have made a three-year commitment to the Senior Men’s National Team to represent the country through the 2024 OIympic Games in Paris, France. Of the players mentioned, the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray was among the highlighted names.
Despite not playing a game for Team Canada since 2015 and missing all of the 2021-22 NBA season due to an ACL tear. Murray is expected to be at full strength for this summer’s qualifiers beginning on June 30th.
With the recent news and commitment of Jamal Murray to his home country, we’re going to take a closer look at what this means for both Team Canada and the Denver Nuggets franchise.
It’s well known that hockey reigns supreme in Canada, but basketball isn’t too far off. While maybe not as popular, basketball is a sport intertwined with Canadian culture. Not only was Canada home to the inventor of the game, James Naismith, but the country has also represented themselves (reasonably) well on the global stage. Specifically within that last two or three decades.
From the emergence of Steve Nash in the 1990s, to the recent resurgence of talent with superstars like Andrew Wiggins, RJ Barrett and Jamal Murray. Canadian basketball is on the rise and has never been in a better position than it is right now. In fact, Canada currently ranks second among countries with the most active players in the NBA (34), behind only the United States.
Despite this, Canada is just 18th in the FIBA world rankings and has only appeared in the Olympics nine times over its 100-year history. Resulting in just one silver medal finish way back in 1936.
Part of what’s held Canada back from competing with the likes of the United States, Spain, Australia, France and other basketball powerhouses, is the lack of commitment from their superstar players. Obviously, the level of talent around the country has vastly improved in recent years. Thought, truth be told, it’s difficult to compete with these countries when your best player’s Samuel Dalembert, respectfully.
For the longest time, even when Canada had talented players committed to play for the national team. They typically only stuck around for one or two cycles before eventually moving on from the program. So, for superstars like RJ Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray to commit to play for the program for at least the next three years is certainly a step in the right direction.
In the recent announcement, Team Canada and Toronto Raptors’ Head Coach, Nick Nurse, had the following to say regarding the news.
"“The true value of chemistry, camaraderie and continuity cannot be overlooked when building any team”, Nurse said. “By assembling a committed core groups of players and staff to represent Canada over the next several years, we firmly believe will position this program for sustained success, both now and in the future.”"
Of all the players who have committed to play for the national team, Jamal Murray is likely going to play the biggest role for the program. As arguably the most talented and proven player on the roster, he’s going to be tasked with taking on more responsibility once he’s back at full strength.
Even though Jamal Murray has past experience with the Canadian national team, having played with Team Canada during the 2013 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship in Uruguay. As well as the 2015 Pan American Games, helping lead Canada to a silver medal finish. This is his first official run with the Men’s Senior Team.
Being that he’s just now entering the prime of his career and has more NBA experience than other key contributors for the program. There’s a good chance that Murray will be heavily relied on for his scoring and playmaking ability, as well as his leadership.
Canada is also hoping to bounce back following their heartbreaking loss to the Czech Republic last summer in Victoria, B.C. So, they’ll need Murray and company to step up if they hope to build off their performance from a year ago.
The truth is that Canada is a country oozing with talent, but they’ve always lacked the commitment from their star players. Now that they’ve got some of the biggest names in the country signed on for the foreseeable future, the sky’s the limit for what this group can accomplish.
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.