When the Denver Nuggets selected Jamal Murray with the seventh overall pick in the NBA Draft, expectations were high. The Nuggets and their fans hoped that one day he could develop into the elite talent the franchise has been searching for.
Well, through the Nuggets’ first three games, Murray has yet to get a real opportunity, averaging just 12 minutes per game, scoring a total of two points (both off free throws).
That should change now.
The Nuggets started the season down shooting guard Gary Harris, who’s return from a groin injury is being treated with great caution, and in last night’s loss, Harris’ replacement, Will Barton, left with an ankle sprain.
At this point, it’s unclear if Barton will miss an extended period of time, but if he does, it’ll likely be Jamal Murray who steps into the void.
As it stands, Emmanuel Mudiay and Jameer Nelson will probably soak up the starting guard roles while Harris and Barton recover from injury, but Murray should be the first guard off the bench. And if the Nuggets really want to see what they’ve got in the youngster, they might just give him the starting gig.
Murray’s expertise is in scoring, something the Nuggets will really need if Harris and Barton continue to miss time.
From what we saw during the preseason, Murray is perfectly capable of lighting up the scoreboard, even if he’s failed to make a basket in his first three regular season games.
Yes, he’s a rookie, and there will be be rookie mistakes, but he’s up for the challenge.
“He’s confident. He’s not afraid of the moment,” Malone said back in the preseason. “I think his biggest challenge right now, he does too much at times. He over dribbles at times and he knows that. We have to get him to be a little more efficient with his game. He steps up, and he makes big shots, and he makes big plays. I think that speaks to his upbringing, his confidence and the fact that he’s ready for the moment.”
The Nuggets believe Murray is a big part of the future, and the future may be unfolding sooner than they expected.
