Earning his first career All-Star appearance, Jamal Murray isn't looking to take it easy
The Denver Nuggets sent two players to All-Star weekend for the first time in over two decades, with Nikola Jokic being joined by teammate Jamal Murray, earning the first selection of his career. A player who is known more for stepping up in the playoffs, the 2025-26 season has been a career season for the former Kentucky guard.
With injuries across Denver's starting lineup this season, Murray has remained relatively healthy, helping contribute as a high-level scorer and increasing his presence as a playmaker. The NBA has made some changes to the All-Star format this season, and it appears Murray wants to inject competitiveness into it.
Murray Gives His Statement On All-Star
The Nuggets guard has already been vocal about wanting to compete during the All-Star game, and not put on a show of sorts as it has been in years past. Set to represent Team World as a Canadian international, Murray has no desire not to go out there and give it his all.
"No," Murray said when asked if he's talked to other All-Stars about playing hard. "If you go watch the Jordan Brand Classic, Nike Hoops Summit, Rising Stars, you can look at how I played and the energy I played with and my motivation. It’s just the way I play, it’s not gonna change with the lights or who’s out there."
Fans have complained about the quality of play in the All-Star game for years now, as Adam Silver and the rest of the league have worked together to try to find ways to make the players more competitive. Instead of putting up a large prize pool, national pride will be put on the line instead.
"That’s the way I play the game, but if everyone else wants to take it easy, then I’ll take the MVP back no problem," he added.
Top stars like Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards might be viewed as favorites to take the MVP, but if Murray is one of the few trying to compete out there, especially on both ends of the court, who is to say he can't take the honor?
Murray will serve alongside other international players on Team World, going up against two USA teams. The East vs West format might be long gone, but if these players truly care about representing their nations and get into trash-talking, perhaps this is the way the NBA pivots going forward.