Jamal Murray, the star point guard for the Denver Nuggets and a key figure in their 2023 NBA Championship run, faced a difficult summer as Team Canada fell short of expectations at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team, which had entered the tournament with high hopes of securing only its second Olympic medal in men’s basketball history, was eliminated in the quarterfinals after a disappointing 82-73 loss to France. Murray’s underwhelming performance throughout the Olympics has now become a significant talking point, especially as he approaches a critical moment in his NBA career—contract extension negotiations with the Denver Nuggets.
Canada’s Disappointment in Paris
Team Canada, led by rising superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, appeared poised to make a deep run in the 2024 Olympics. The team finished group play with a perfect 3-0 record, raising expectations that they could secure a medal, something the country had not done since the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where they won silver. However, those hopes were dashed when they were upset by France in the quarterfinals, a game that highlighted some glaring issues within the team, particularly concerning Jamal Murray’s performance.
While Gilgeous-Alexander delivered consistently, averaging a team-best 21.0 points per game on 54.0% shooting across four games, Murray struggled to find his rhythm. The 2023 NBA champion averaged a mere 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, shooting just 29.0% from the field and a woeful 14.3% from three-point range. His lackluster performance was most evident in the crucial matchup against France, where he scored only seven points on 3-for-13 shooting in 24 minutes off the bench.
Concerns for Denver as Contract Talks Loom
Murray’s struggles in Paris have not gone unnoticed, particularly by those within the Denver Nuggets organization. With Murray entering the final year of the five-year, $170 million contract extension he signed in 2019, the timing of his Olympic downturn couldn’t be worse. He is eligible for a four-year, $208 million maximum extension this offseason, a decision that now appears more complex in light of his recent performances.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon voiced his concerns on “NBA Today,” suggesting that Denver might want to reconsider rushing into an extension with Murray. “I would be extremely concerned because it’s not just about the Olympics,” MacMahon said. “He had a rough playoffs. He shot 40.0% from the floor in the playoffs. He doesn’t look like himself, he doesn’t look healthy, he doesn’t look explosive right now.”
MacMahon’s analysis points to a broader issue—Murray’s form has been shaky for a while. During the 2023 NBA playoffs, Jamal Murray dealt with a left calf strain, which may have contributed to his struggles. However, there has been no official word on whether that injury persisted during the Olympics, leaving questions about his current physical condition and overall readiness.
The Denver Nuggets now find themselves in a difficult position. On one hand, Jamal Murray was instrumental in their first-ever NBA Championship, serving as the second-best player on the team behind Nikola Jokic. His ability to deliver in clutch moments during the playoffs, despite not being at full strength, demonstrated his value to the franchise. On the other hand, his recent struggles cannot be ignored, particularly when such a significant financial commitment is on the line.
“It’s a tough situation because he was the second-best player on a championship team very recently,” MacMahon continued. “If you don’t give him the extension, those situations tend to get very sensitive. I would wait, though.”
This perspective highlights the delicate nature of contract negotiations, especially with a player who has been so crucial to the team’s recent success. A premature decision could have long-term implications, both financially and in terms of team chemistry. However, waiting too long could also risk alienating a player who has shown loyalty and dedication to the franchise.
While MacMahon urges caution, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne offers a different viewpoint. According to her, the Denver Nuggets are likely to move forward with Murray’s extension sooner rather than later. Shelburne expressed confidence that the team will overlook Murray’s recent struggles, citing his overall contributions and the circumstances surrounding his performance.
“I think they’re going to pay him. I think it’s going to get done soon after the Olympics, and I wouldn’t have any qualms about it,” Shelburne said. She emphasized that Murray’s value was evident even during the playoffs, where he played a crucial role despite dealing with injuries. “He put the Nuggets on his back in the fourth quarter several times against the [LA] Lakers and the [Minnesota] Timberwolves. I think you gotta just believe in your guy.”
For all the talk and concern around Jamal Murray — and I think some concerns are warranted — he did score 35 points in Game 7 vs. the Timberwolves in the last NBA game he’s played in. pic.twitter.com/ZWxomvOCGt
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) August 8, 2024
Shelburne’s optimism is rooted in the belief that Murray’s rough patch is temporary and that his proven track record in high-stakes situations outweighs his recent dip in form. The Nuggets, under her projection, are likely to extend Murray, betting on his ability to bounce back and continue being a key piece of their championship puzzle.
As the Denver Nuggets weigh their options, the situation with Jamal Murray serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing a championship-caliber team. While the allure of securing a star player long-term is tempting, the realities of performance, health, and financial prudence must all be considered. Murray’s future with the Nuggets will undoubtedly be a focal point in the coming weeks, as the team decides whether to solidify their commitment or take a more cautious approach
For Murray, the challenge will be to rediscover his form and prove that his struggles are behind him. The upcoming NBA season will be crucial not just for his contract but for his legacy as one of the leaders of a team with championship aspirations.
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