The Denver Nuggets have created an unexpected influx of depth that could result in the team enlisting a full 10-man rotation. It's a shocking turn of events that few saw coming considering Denver entered the summer with limited cap space and a top-heavy roster.
In the event that the Nuggets live up to their new potential, then no one stands to benefit more than starting point guard and somehow-not-an-All-Star Jamal Murray.
Murray, 28, has become one of the most prolific point guards of his generation. He played a co-starring role when Denver won the 2023 NBA championship and has produced explosive scoring performances on a regular basis under the postseason lights.
Unfortunately, that success hasn't yet translated to the regular season—due at least in some part to his lack of ideal availability.
What the Nuggets have accomplished in free agency, however, is the construction of a rotation that should alleviate pressure from Murray. As a result, there's a realistic possibility that he could thrive in a more fluid role and thus perform at the necessary level to be an All-Star.
Denver's primary goal is obviously to win a second championship in four years, but Murray's individual accolades may finally arrive in 2025-26.
Jamal Murray in best position yet to end All-Star drought
Denver's offseason began when it traded Michael Porter Jr. for elite catch-and-shoot wing Cameron Johnson. It continued when it brought Bruce Brown back after a two-year hiatus, and rounded into even more sensational form when the front office traded Dario Saric for Jonas Valanciunas.
The Nuggets put what may have been the finishing touches on a stellar summer when they signed floor-spacing wing Tim Hardaway Jr. to a one-year deal.
What each of those moves represents is an opportunity for Denver to alleviate the offensive burden from Murray and Nikola Jokic. All four players are capable of putting up points in a hurry, and all of Brown, Johnson, and Valanciunas are at least average playmakers for their position.
With that influx of offensive firepower and the goal of continued development from Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson, the Nuggets shouldn't have to overburden their co-stars to generate offense.
With less pressure resting on his shoulders, Murray should now be able to excel in a more free-flowing offense. Looks can come from any number of angles based on who's on the court, and the backcourt scoring burden won't be heavy lifting as much as it'll be capitalizing on opportunities to produce.
Murray is more than qualified to take advantage of this opportunity to not only put together another memorable season, but finally make the All-Star Game.
Murray certainly has the numbers. Over the past three seasons, he's averaged 20.9 points, 6.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.5 three-point field goals on .470/.404/.859 shooting. With a deeper rotation, those numbers could be sustained or even improved as Denver ideally adds enough wins to its tally to justify a second All-Star after Jokic.
With a legitimate second unit and a starting lineup that should have even better chemistry and cohesion, Murray should finally add All-Star to his résumé in 2025-26.