Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets is facing scrutiny after a challenging preseason. Recent observations have raised concerns about his performance and health ahead of the 2024-2025 NBA season.
David Thorpe of TrueHoop reported on Murray’s current form, noting that “maybe it’s rust,” or perhaps fatigue from his Olympic run. He mentioned that teams view the Nuggets as a “one-man team” at the moment.
An anonymous NBA starter expressed their frustration, saying, “[Murray’s] very easy to guard now.” This remark reflects the noticeable drop in Murray’s offensive effectiveness recently.
Murray’s preseason was less than stellar, primarily due to knee issues. He averaged just 10.3 points per game. However, in preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Murray scored 25 points.
His struggles have also been evident on the international stage. At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Murray averaged only 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 20.5 minutes per game while representing Canada.
Despite these challenges, the Nuggets remain optimistic about Murray’s long-term health. This past offseason, the franchise secured him with a four-year, $207.8 million contract extension.
This commitment underscores their belief in his abilities, even as he grapples with these early-season issues. Murray’s injury history adds an extra layer of caution, especially after he tore his ACL in April 2022.
Last season, Murray demonstrated his potential, averaging 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 31.5 minutes per game.
As the regular season approaches, the team is likely to adopt a careful approach to Murray’s recovery. They aim to have him fully ready for the season, which begins in late October.
