Jamal Murray remains unfazed by most challenges. At 26, the Denver Nuggets guard forms one-half of a formidable duo in the NBA. Despite any bold language he may employ when discussing opponents, Murray consistently backs it up with stellar performances on the court.
Early in the 2023-24 NBA season, Murray achieved a significant milestone in franchise history, surpassing Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf to claim the 9th spot on the Nuggets’ all-time scoring list. As a reigning NBA Finals champion and increasingly recognized as one of Denver’s premier scorers, it’s perplexing why Murray has yet to earn a single NBA All-Star selection or be named to an All-NBA team.
Nevertheless, Murray’s spirit remains undiminished. In fact, he revealed to Boardroom that he approaches this season with a sense of contentment.
“That’s the aim. I enjoy playing the game with a sense of joy,” Murray remarked from the team hotel in Minneapolis on Tuesday. “When you’re playing freely and trusting your instincts, you feel light, relaxed, engaged with fans, and actively participating in huddles and timeouts. Everyone shares a common objective, so there’s no need to overanalyze or intervene. You simply express yourself and let things unfold. As a leader, it’s my responsibility to maintain a positive tone. I strive to maintain a consistent energy and rhythm.”
Compared to some of the NBA’s previous champions, the Nuggets tend to be overlooked in terms of star power. While Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic led the team to victory over the Jimmy Butler-led Miami Heat for their inaugural championship, the odds currently don’t favor them for a repeat. FanDuel places the Nuggets third, with +500 odds of securing a second trophy. Murray emphasizes that the team doesn’t feel pressured to chase another title or uphold their status as the premier sports franchise in The Mile High City.
“It’s actually more invigorating,” Murray asserts. “It adds excitement to the game and brings out the best in everyone. Setting our own benchmark for success is beneficial. It’s gratifying to be held to that standard, particularly by our own fans. It motivates us to consistently deliver outstanding performances.”
Keeping an Eye on the Prize
After a triumphant conclusion to the 2022-23 season, Murray opted out of participating in this year’s FIBA World Cup, entrusting Canada’s emerging talent, including RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to lead the charge. Despite his absence, Canada clinched the bronze, marking its first medal in an international men’s tournament since 1936.
Reflecting on that remarkable journey, which culminated in a thrilling 127-118 victory over Team USA, Murray remarked on the contrasting “vibes” between his college days, his current tenure with the Nuggets, and representing his country. “National teams play with immense passion,” he observed. “There’s a heightened sense of stakes. So it’s always exhilarating to unite as one and vie for a medal, proving doubters wrong.”
He added, “I’ve grown up alongside many of these players, and we’ve shared the court for quite some time, fostering a strong camaraderie.”
It has been eight years since Murray last donned the Canadian jersey. At 18, bound for Kentucky, he contributed 22 points in a thrilling overtime victory against Team USA, securing the silver medal at the 2015 Pan American Games.
After years away from national competition, coupled with fond memories of playing alongside a formidable squad, speculation arises: Could Murray stage a triumphant return to the national stage at the upcoming Olympics? While coy in his response, Murray did not outright dismiss the possibility. Thus, the door remains open for anything to unfold.
During our conversation, Murray was seen handling the latest Nuggets City Edition basketball, which recently became available for purchase. These custom-made balls are produced by Wilson, the official provider of game balls for the NBA. Murray holds a position on the brand’s advisory team, where he plays a significant role in testing basketball-specific equipment before it hits the market. This includes the genuine leather game ball he will use to climb to the 8th spot on Denver’s all-time scoring list.
“It’s really exciting,” Murray remarked about his partnership with Wilson. “I was among the first individuals they sent the ball to for testing, allowing me to play with it and evaluate its performance. I believe there are many crucial details that can be overlooked when athletes don’t have input into the design of the ball, which is obviously a crucial aspect of the game. Working with Wilson has been a fantastic experience thus far. We’re eager to explore new opportunities and continue building our relationship.”