Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray was, once again, left off the NBA All-Star Game roster. Denver head coach Michael Malone put the snub into perspective on Friday.
Murray is arguably in the midst of the best season of his career. Through 35 games this season, the Kentucky alum is averaging 21.2 points and 6.4 assists per game on 47.8% shooting from the field; all marks would be career highs for Murray if the season ended today.
But despite arguably Murray’s best All-Star bid yet, his name was nowhere to be found when the league released the reserve list.
Malone spoke openly about Murray’s All-Star snub during his pregame press conference on Friday before the Nuggets took on the Portland Trail Blazers.
“[Murray] may not be an All-Star, but to me, he’s a superstar,” said Malone. “He’s a world champion. He’s done things in the playoffs that a lot of All-Stars have never and will never do.”
Murray has risen to the occasion countless times for the Nuggets in the postseason. He’s outplayed several All-Stars in the playoffs and was a key cog in their championship run last season. Despite not being recognized as a true All-Star, fans and players alike know just how high Murray can elevate his game whenever Denver needs him to.
Murray could potentially still make it as an All-Star injury replacement. However, one other Western Conference stud has $1.3 million more reasons to want the spot over Murray.
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