In recent years, particularly following his impressive performance in the NBA Finals last summer, Jamal Murray has gradually assumed a somewhat backhanded compliment – being recognized as the NBA’s best, or at least most accomplished, player never selected as an All-Star.
The Nuggets’ point guard, now in his seventh healthy season as a professional, was questioned on Sunday about whether the ongoing omission serves as motivation. Murray acknowledged it as such but pointed out that several deserving players, like De’Aaron Fox and Trae Young, have also missed out on All-Star nods. He emphasized his consistent high-level play against All-Stars and noted the competitiveness for those limited spots.
Murray’s current season statistics highlight his impressive performance with close numbers to his career highs. Despite ranking 11th in scoring among Western Conference guards, he faces tough competition for the limited All-Star spots, as exemplified by Fox’s notable statistics without an invitation.
Nikola Jokic, Murray’s teammate and a six-time All-Star, expressed the team’s belief in Murray’s All-Star caliber. However, Murray acknowledged the crowded competition this year, with only 12 players selected per conference, making it challenging to secure a spot.
Coach Michael Malone defended Murray’s case, emphasizing his superstar status and contributions to the team’s championship success. Malone disagreed with the notion that missed games, including Murray’s absence in November due to an ankle injury, should be a valid reason for exclusion.
The paradox with Murray lies in his impressive playoff performances, where he has demonstrated his capabilities on significant stages. Despite his playoff pedigree, Murray’s autumn injuries and slow regular season starts have been consistent enough to hinder his All-Star recognition, creating a recurring trend.
Leave a Reply