Last year's NBA playoffs were a tough go for Jamal Murray, who was battling through a series of injuries, most notably a nagging calf strain. The Canadian guard, known for his explosive scoring and clutch performances, was clearly not at his best. His numbers reflected that—averaging 20.6 points per game on 40.2% shooting, with a rather dismal 31.5% from beyond the arc. These stats were a far cry from the previous season, where Murray played a pivotal role in leading the Denver Nuggets to an NBA title. The drop-off was noticeable, and it wasn’t just in the regular season. The same struggles followed him to the Paris Olympics.
At the Olympics, Murray’s performance dipped even further, turning into a bit of a nightmare on the international stage. He managed only 6 points per game, shooting a woeful 29% from the field, and an even more concerning 14.3% from three-point range. To top it off, he led the Canadian team with 2.3 turnovers per game, contributing to their early exit and failure to bring home any hardware. For a player of Murray's caliber, these numbers were not just a slump—they were indicative of someone far from 100%.
So, what’s going on with Jamal Murray? Denver Nuggets president Josh Kroenke has been vocal about Murray’s struggles, emphasizing that the guard is still playing through injuries and is far from being in peak physical condition. In an interview with The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando, Kroenke shed light on the situation. "When you’re going against the best in the world, whether it’s in the NBA playoffs or in the Olympics, you’re gonna get (opponents’) best shot. And if you’re not 100% and you know you want to be out there still, you’re gonna try to fight through it like Jamal is... But I know he wasn’t 100%."
Kroenke’s words aren’t just about defending his player; they’re a reminder of what the Nuggets are missing—a fully healthy Jamal Murray who can dominate games and deliver when it counts the most. "I know getting him back there is a big step toward seeing the Jamal who was throwing up triple-doubles in the NBA Finals," Kroenke added. That version of Murray, the one who was integral to the Nuggets' championship run, is what Denver desperately needs if they hope to make another deep playoff run.
It’s important to remember that a team president's job is to stand by his players, especially when they’re down. Kroenke’s confidence in Murray is not misplaced; it’s what you'd expect from a leader who understands the stakes. The Nuggets are betting big on Murray’s return to form, and it’s not just lip service. Earlier this offseason, reports surfaced that Murray and the Nuggets had come to a broad agreement on a four-year, $208.5 million max extension. While the finer details were still being hashed out, the deal was reportedly put on hold until after the Olympics.
The contract is a significant commitment, one that reflects the Nuggets' belief in Murray's ability to bounce back and play at an All-Star level. However, the reality is that Denver’s margin for error has shrunk. The team isn’t as deep as it was a couple of seasons ago, with younger players like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson expected to step up and fill key roles. This makes Murray’s health and performance even more critical to the team’s success.
The bottom line is simple: the Nuggets are legitimate title contenders as long as they have Nikola Jokic playing at an MVP level, but they can't afford to have Murray operating at anything less than his best. His ability to perform at an elite level is the linchpin to Denver’s championship aspirations. They’re about to pay him like a top-tier player, and now he needs to deliver like one.
Jamal Murray’s journey back to full strength isn’t just about his physical recovery; it’s also about the mental and emotional aspects of returning to the form that once made him one of the most feared guards in the league. The pressure is on, not just from the outside world, but from within the Nuggets organization. They know that their window for winning is tied closely to Murray's health and performance.
The upcoming season will be a critical one for Murray and the Nuggets. With the team’s depth being tested and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, Denver needs every advantage they can get. Murray being at the top of his game isn’t just a hope; it’s a necessity. His ability to shake off the injuries and return to the level of play that helped bring a title to Denver will be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit.
For Murray, this isn’t just about living up to a contract or meeting expectations—it’s about reclaiming his place among the league’s elite. The road back to being 100% is never easy, but if anyone has shown they can rise to the occasion, it’s Jamal Murray. The Nuggets are betting on it, and so is he. The stakes are high, and the spotlight is on Murray to prove that he’s still the same player who can lead Denver to another championship. And if he can do that, the Nuggets’ championship window might just stay open a little longer.
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