At just 27, Jamal Murray has already achieved a lot, including an NBA championship and a 24.2 points-per-game playoff average.
Western Conference All-Star Landscape:
The Western Conference All-Star team is tough to make for guards. Only four guard spots are availableโtwo starters and two reservesโwith two extra “wild card” spots for any position. Five guards are almost guaranteed to make it: Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker. This leaves only one wild card spot up for grabs.
Murray vs. His Competition:
Jamal Murrayโs Major Rivals:
- Ja Morant: Averaged 26.2 PPG, 8.1 APG in his last healthy season.
- Kyrie Irving: Averaged 25.6 PPG, 5.2 APG last season.
- DeโAaron Fox: Averaged 26.6 PPG, 5.6 APG last season.
Jamal Murrayโs Statistics:
- Jamal Murray: Averaged 21.2 PPG, 6.5 APG last season.
Murray and Irving excel at shooting from long range and midrange while Morant and Fox dominate by attacking the rim relentlessly.
Fans think it’s high time he gets an All-Star nod!
Morant ranked second in drives per game during his last healthy season (20.3), creating chances for teammates by collapsing defenses. Similarly skilled at driving to the basket, Fox was top ten in drives during the previous season.
Fox also stands out defensively with league-leading steals (2 per game) and high deflections (3.6 per game). Morant was better than Murray and Irving defensively in one-on-one situations during the previous seasons.
The Verdict:
Murray’s stats don’t quite measure up to Morant, Irving or Fox’s numbersโeven his advanced stats are similar at best.
Despite being known as a playoff hero in clutch moments, his regular-season performance hasn’t been as impressive as Fox’s fifth-place ranking in total clutch scoring or Irving’s remarkable shooting percentage (60%) in tight games.
In conclusion: Although Murray is talented and crucial to his team’s success, unless he makes a significant leap this season, he might miss out on the All-Star game again
