Head Coach Mike Malone has made it well known that he already has four starters picked out for the upcoming season. His fifth, however, would be decided as a result of an open competition. Jameer Nelson, Jamal Murray and Emmanuel Mudiay will all compete for the spot on opening night.
Mudiay actually led the point guards in number of starts last season with 41, Nelson started 40 games and Murray started just one game at the 1.
Malone is clearly looking for one of the three to make some separation in Training Camp. He talked about pace of play, defense and fit with Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap being the main determining factors.
In an ideal world, Jamal Murray’s second year in the league would be his first as a full time starter. He was one of three players that the Nuggets held on to very tightly this summer in rumored trade negotiations, the other two being Jokic and Gary Harris. Many believe Murray is destined for stardom in this league, but that is a title earned not given.
Until then, if and when that day ever comes, Murray must prove to his coaching staff that he’s made enough progress in the offseason to handle the responsibility. Even if they don’t deem him ready on Day 1, the expectation is that it will be his job at some point in 2017-2018.
