2 Nuggets who are underperforming, 4 exceeding expectations at midway point of season
By Tyler Watts
Exceeding expectations: Jamal Murray
Murray was outstanding last season coming off an ACL injury. He took his game to another level in the playoffs and helped the Nuggets win their first championship. The 26-year-old has never been an All-Star, but he is making a case for his first appearance in 2024.
Murray is averaging 20.6 points, 6.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 30.4 minutes per game. He is putting up career-highs in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and assists. Murray is making 41.2 percent from long range and is part of a devastating two-man game with Nikola Jokic.
The 6’4 guard has a ton riding on the second half of the regular season. He is extension-eligible this summer, and his maximum contract number jumps significantly if he makes the All-NBA team. The problem is players must appear in 65 games to be eligible, and Murray missed 14 in the first half. He can only miss three of the final 41 and must play like a top 15 player to be included in the list.
Jamal Murray keeps getting better and is a proven playoff performer. The Denver Nuggets plan on him being their point guard for years to come. Expect Murray to close the season strong and to help his team make another deep playoff run.