Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray found himself once again excluded from the latest NBA All-Star Game rosters, prompting his head coach, Michael Malone, to offer perspective on the snub. Despite what is arguably his best season to date, with career-high averages of 21.2 points, 6.4 assists, and a 47.8% shooting rate through 35 games, Murray’s name was notably absent from the reserve list.
Addressing the issue in a pregame press conference before the Nuggets faced the Portland Trail Blazers, Malone expressed his opinion on Murray’s All-Star omission, emphasizing that while he may not have earned the All-Star title, he is undoubtedly a superstar in his eyes. Malone highlighted Murray’s significant contributions to the team, particularly in the playoffs, where he has outperformed numerous All-Stars and played a crucial role in the Nuggets’ championship triumph last season.
Murray’s potential inclusion as an All-Star injury replacement remains a possibility. However, Malone acknowledged that another Western Conference player has a financial incentive, with $1.3 million more reasons to vie for the spot over Murray. Despite the All-Star snub, Murray’s reputation as a player who elevates his game in crucial moments is widely recognized by both fans and fellow players, cementing his status as a standout performer for the Denver Nuggets.
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