“Jamal Murray is not there yet…”- Mike Malone casts doubt over the return of star player

published

by

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray is unlikely to make a comeback in the upcoming playoffs.

Jamal Murray
Feb 14, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) motions as he brings the ball up court in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

It has been over a year since Jamal Murray ruptured his ACL in the game against the Golden State Warriors in the last season, which really destroyed the hopes of the Denver Nuggets to make a run towards the Championship last year.

It was earlier reported that Jamal Murray might return for the playoffs this season, but it is looking very unlikely that he will be back before next season, despite showing glimpses of his explosiveness in the pre-match workouts with the Nuggets coaching staff.

Speaking about Murray, the head coach of the Denver Nuggets Mike Malone said, “Obviously, he’s not there yet, That’s a real big mental hurdle to make. He has good days and he has days that are not as good. And that’s been very challenging for him mentally.”

Mike Malone added, “You see him out there dunking the ball and I’m sure you guys are thinking, ‘He looks really good,’ But from Day 1, from the bus ride from the San Francisco hotel to the airport when he had just suffered the injury the night before, we told him there’s going to be no rush, there’s going to be no pressure. And that continues to this day.”

Jamal Murray and Micheal Porter Jr. are unlikely to return for the playoffs

The Denver Nuggets star duo of Jamal Murray and Micheal Porter Jr. are unlikely to return for the playoffs this season, and it is a huge blow to the team’s chances of making a deep run into the playoffs.

MPJ MUrrayy
Murray and Porter Jr.

Nuggets will face the Golden State Warriors in the 1st round of the playoffs, and without Murray and Porter Jr., it will be a tough task for them to qualify for the 2nd round, as Nikola Jokic will be by himself just like the whole regular season this year.

Related Article: “I came here to coach”- Rick Carlisle dismisses all rumors about his future

Follow our dedicated NBA page for instant NBA news and updates