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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has embraced both the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a max-contract player.

Far from dodging the critical spotlight, Murray has shown an openness to addressing both the expectations of the fans and the scrutiny of his performance.

The 27-year-old guard was fully aware of the weight that came with such a lucrative deal and was prepared to face the accompanying pressures head-on.

“I’m totally ready for it,” Murray stated confidently. “That’s why I literally signed up for it.”

This season has proven to be a mixed bag for Murray, particularly when compared to his stellar play in previous years. While his statistics have taken only a slight dip overall, the guard has experienced noticeable inconsistency within individual games.

He has often struggled in the opening quarters, only to find his rhythm later and mount a significant push in the second half.

The result? Murray frequently finishes games with respectable numbers but leaves fans wondering about the unevenness in his performances.

Murray is acutely aware of the high standards he’s set for himself and how he’s currently falling short of them. Acknowledging his accountability to both his team and fans, the seasoned guard doesn’t shy away from the critiques.

“I think I deserve it, to a certain extent,” Murray admitted, referencing the increased scrutiny following his maximum contract extension. “So, I’m not gonna complain about it. And that’s what people do. They’re gonna talk about what they see.

“And if they don’t see me performing the way they want me to perform as a fan, they’re gonna let me hear it, or tweet about it, or whatever they’re doing. I mean, I admit I haven’t been playing well. So, it’s not like it’s a surprise to me to hear it from everybody else if I’m saying it as well.”

Murray has played 8 seasons for the Nuggets. He has averaged 17.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 504 regular-season games. He has won 1 NBA championship.