Since his sophomore season, Jamal Murray has been a franchise star for the Denver Nuggets. He has become one of the league’s best scorers, notching remarkable averages for over half a decade. At times, opponents have no answer for the former lottery pick, as he can rise to any occasion and cause havoc. When the shot is not falling, Murray finds different ways to be effective in the passing lanes and off the glass.
Along with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Denver’s front office views Murray as a building block until it’s all said and done. Fair enough, he has overcome countless challenges early in his career and helped bring a banner to Ball Arena.
As a result of his consistency and dedication, the Nuggets elected to offer a four-year max contract extension to their star point guard. Although many fans believe this was the right move, controversy has been sparked on whether or not Denver overpaid for what Murray contributes on the court.
The Denver Nuggets should have waited before extending Jamal Murray to a max contract.
From the moment his name was called for the Denver Nuggets, Jamal Murray has been outstanding. He has a good habit of starring in crunch time and drilling game-winners for head coach Mike Malone.
Last season, the Kentucky product averaged 21.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 48.1% from the field and 42.5% from beyond the arc. Despite losing in a seven-game series to the Timberwolves, Murray stood out to the front office and played his hardest each time he stepped foot on the floor.
Moreover, Murray was set to enter free agency next summer before the Nuggets extended him to a four-year max contract. Though he deserves to be paid, Murray has never made an all-star team. Maximum deals are proposed to the best of the best, and the one-time champion has yet to earn these prestigious honors.
Denver could have extended Murray mid-season or offered less money, leaving more cap space to sign quality free agents. If Murray does not elevate to an all-star, this deal may bite the front office soon. There should have been no rush from the Nuggets to secure their veteran point guard, regardless of when his contract was due.
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