Jamal Murray, the point guard for the Nuggets, was once again excluded from the NBA All-Star Game roster. On Friday, Denver head coach Michael Malone provided context for the decision.

It could be said that Murray is having his greatest season to date. The Kentucky graduate is averaging 21.2 points and 6.4 assists per game through 35 games this season on 47.8% shooting from the field; both of those numbers would be career highs for Murray if the season ended today.

But when the league revealed the reserve list, Murray’s name was missing, even though it was possibly his greatest All-Star bid to date.

During his pregame press conference on Friday before the Nuggets played the Portland Trail Blazers, Malone was candid about Murray’s All-Star rejection.

 

Murray may not be an All-Star, but in Malone’s opinion, he is a superstar. He is a global victor. In the postseason, he has accomplished feats that many All-Stars have never accomplished and never will.

Regarding Jamal Murray’s exclusion from the All-Star team, Michael Malone: I think he’s a big star, even though he’s not an All-Star. He is a global victor. In the postseason, he has accomplished feats that many All-Stars have never and will never accomplish.

 

For the Nuggets in the postseason, Murray has consistently stepped up to the plate. He was a crucial component of their championship run the previous season and has outperformed other All-Stars in the playoffs. Although Murray isn’t considered a true All-Star, both players and fans are aware of how high he can raise his game when Denver needs him to.