Is Jamal Murray the Next Star PG?

By: Lucas Kochevar
 
The Denver Nuggets sit on the edge of the playoffs with a couple of young stars, such as Nikola Jokic and Gary Harris, but the player I am focused on has to be Jamal Murray.

     Jamal Murray is a point guard in his sophomore campaign with Denver and he is posting new career highs in points, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. Murray had his best game recently with an outburst of 38 points against Portland and their all star point guard Damian Lillard. Murray has had a very underrated year as he has flown under the radar with other young talents.

      The Kentucky alum has the skill set similar to Stephen Curry. Curry has been a sensational talent for the last couple of years, but early in his career he was just an average guard with an average 18.6 points in his sophomore season. Murray is posting similar season numbers 16.3 points per game. Murray has the similarities with his shooting as well. He is not as lights out with his shooting like Curry, however, Murray has raised his percentage from 33% to 37% and this percentage can only raise year after year.

      Jamal Murray has also been invited to the all star weekend once again. Last season he won the MVP in the Rising Stars Challenge and he will look to defend that title again.

Murray to me has the needed tools to be in the league for years and become a top tier point guard.

Size

      Murray has the size to be able to get stronger so he can drive in the future as well. Standing at 6’4 puts him as one of the taller point guards in the league. His height gives him the ability to shoot over opponents as well.

Three-Point Shooting.

     This has obviously been made but to reiterate it, Murray is one of the more efficient scorers from three. His 37% ranks above all star caliber players like John Wall, Damian Lillard, and Carmelo Anthony. The ceiling is limitless for him and his jumper as his shot is beautiful.

Efficiency

     Jamal Murray is one of the more efficient players for the Nuggets and he has the keys to the franchise as their starting point guard. This is the area he needs to slightly improve as he is averaging 2.8 assists, but also 2.1 turnovers. He needs more faith in his teammates as Gary Harris is a fantastic running mate with him in the backcourt.

     Murray has a ways to go to become a superstar but he fits the mold and I believe that he can really be great for any team, anywhere in the future.