Given all that he has accomplished in the NBA and how good the Nuggets have been during his tenure, it’s pretty shocking that Jamal Murray has never been named an All-Star, but that’s the reality of the situation for the nine-year pro.
Despite three straight seasons averaging over 20 points and 6 assists per game with great efficiency, Murray has not received the recognition from fans, media, players, and coaches. You’d think his continued playoff heroics, including an impressive championship run as co-star to Nikola Jokic, would be enough, but in a stacked Western Conference, it hasn’t been.
On a recent episode of the Game Theory podcast, Sam Vecenie argued that Murray is the best player in the NBA never to make an All-Star game, and made the case that if he were in the Eastern Conference, he’d actually be a four-time All-Star by now.
That doesn’t provide much solace for Murray or Nuggets fans, but it highlights the discrepancy between the conferences that only seems to be growing and emphasizes why Jamal (and others) face such an uphill battle.
Murray’s path to All-Star Game blocked by superstars
Unfortunately, things aren’t likely to get easier for Murray this season, even if he has a great year. Each conference generally gets five guards into the All-Star Game, maybe six if it’s a down year for forwards. In the West, that’s going to be a tough mountain to climb.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s name might as well be etched in stone after winning MVP. He’ll surely start, most likely alongside Luka Doncic or Steph Curry - two more surefire All-Stars. That’s essentially three automatic selections right off the bat who will make it for name recognition alone.
That leaves two or three spots for Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, James Harden, Devin Booker, De’Aaron Fox, Murray, and any other player who gets into the mix this season. Surely, there will be some bad injury luck for one or two contenders, but that’s still a crowded and star-studded list.
Very good players are going to miss the All-Star Game, and it won’t be surprising at all if Murray is one of them yet again.
Team success is Murray’s best bet
Barring a massive statistical leap, which seems unlikely in year 10, the clearest path for Murray to be selected this year is undeniable dominance from his team. If the Nuggets are lapping the field and crushing the Western Conference, there is a chance that voters will recognize that the team is so good, it must have two All-Stars.
In that scenario, if Murray is clearly the second-best player on the Nuggets, he’ll get the nod. But given all the circumstances, that feels improbable at best. More likely, Murray will again have to settle for getting the last laugh in the playoffs.