The Denver Nuggets struck gold for the second year in a row with the seventh-overall pick when they landed Jamal Murray. The 19-year-old scoring prodigy is ready to do what it takes to help this Nuggets team win.
“Hopefully I can stay efficient, make plays, create space for other people and be ready to knock down shots,” Murray said Monday at media day. “Whatever the team needs, there is no preference.”
The Nuggets struggled with scoring and spacing last season, thus the reason they selected Murray, as he was outstanding at putting the ball in the hole while he at the University of Kentucky. Averaging 20 points per game with a 40.8 three-point percentage, Murray’s ceiling is extremely high.
The only question with Murray was what position would he play?
The rookie has stated many times that he can play both guard positions, but that he’s fully capable, and willing, to one the offense at point.
“Someone who can spread the floor, shoot the ball well, playmaker as well alongside [Emmanuel] Mudiay and [Gary] Harris,” Murray said back in July. “I am a big guard, quick release, can post up, slow pace down, speed it up, and adapt to my environment very quickly,”.
Murray’s versatility is exactly what the Nuggets need, and it’s just one of the many reasons why Murray is expected to be an impact player this season.
He has made it clear every time I’ve had the opportunity to talk to him that he is here to play and do whatever the coaches ask him to do. Above all else, he’s here to win basketball games.
Murray’s ability to provide a spark off the bench will be critical for a Nuggets offense that was depleted at times in the season as well as success and opportunity for the rookie in the future.
