Jamal Murray's statement after the All-Star game is one Nuggets fans would love to see happen for the 10-year Nuggets veteran, and hopefully it comes to a realization for him as early as this season. "I want to be an All-NBA type of player now that I’ve made All-Star." If Murray plays at that level the rest of the way, it could also lead to a shower of confetti in June and a second NBA championship for the Nuggets.
Murray's in the middle of the best year of his career, and his ascension to All-Star really may be the start of something bigger. Murray had more to say.
"Well, a championship is my motivation. Honestly, that’s the number one thing. Getting everybody healthy, just playing at a high-level. You know, I want to be an All-NBA type of player now that I’ve made All-Star. So, I think that’s my next near goal for the future. So, that means that I’m playing a whole season of great basketball. So if I can do that, then we’ll consider it a strong season." Strong indeed, Mal.
Murray hasn't played in more than 75 games for the Nuggets since 2019, averaging just 60 games per season and missing one entirely due to injury. This year, Murray has only missed 5 of the Nuggets' 55 games. He's not only on pace for a health rejuvenation, but he's also having by far the best statistical season of his career.
Murray's case for All-NBA backed up by numbers, not just 65-game rule
The NBA's 65-game minimum rule to qualify for postseason awards will surely be looked at for amendment next season. The NBA's going to lose many stars' eligibility thanks to the rule, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James.
It could directly alter the course of the All-NBA team selections, but Murray doesn't need any help. He's having a standout season. I'm sure he won't complain, though.
Murray's currently 13th in the league in scoring, averaging 25.7 per game, but his season-high of 52 really pops out in the game logs. Murray went 10-11 from three, and he's sitting at 16th in the league in three-point percentage at 43%.
And Murray's been no slouch in the dime department. He's currently 6th in the NBA at 7.6 assists per game, a full assist better than his previous best of 6.5 set in 2023-24.
He led the Nuggets to a 10-6 record while Nikola Jokic was sidelined with a knee injury. He's been the only constant on a team that's lost well over 100 games due to injury to the starting lineup. He's a big reason Denver's 35-20.
The Nuggets may be Nikola Jokic's team to lead, but Jamal Murray is showing what Nuggets fans already knew: he's more than capable of being option 1B to Jokic's 1A. He just needed to stay healthy. And if that continues, Nuggets fans' hopes just may be answered with a shower of confetti and their second NBA title.