Jamal Murray
Perhaps the single greatest factor for the Denver Nuggets when it comes to going on a deep playoff run will be Jamal Murray. Aside from Nikola Jokic, Murray is the team’s most dynamic offensive threat and is facing a prime opportunity to take the next step once the season resumes.
There were flashes of brilliance from Murray during the playoffs in 2018-19 but he didn’t quite reach superstar status this season. Even during those 14 post-season performances where he averaged 21.3 points per game last year, his efficiency wasn’t quite up to par.
As things currently stand, Murray lacks a particular skill where he stacks up as being near-elite when compared with the rest of the league. He still has a few gears he needs to unlock in areas like pick-and-roll ball-handling, handoffs, and isolation.
There is only so much impact role players typically provide offensively during any given playoff series. It’s up to the top players to shoulder most of that responsibility and until Murray can reach that upper-echelon of NBA guards, it will be tough for the Nuggets to make it far.
