Nikola Jokic discusses his relationship with Jamal Murray and how important Murray has been to his career.
Jamal Murray was announced to his first All-Star game on Sunday, joining Nikola Jokic as the representation for the Denver Nuggets.
Murray is having a career year, averaging a career high of 25.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. When Jokic was out for a month, Murray picked up his game to keep the Nuggets as a top-three seed in the West.
Murray has often been praised for his offensive game, but sometimes overlooked since he plays next to an offensive genius in Jokic. With Jokic out, Murray became the lead offensive engine, and the Nuggets continued to hum even without the three-time MVP.
A Traveled Path
Speaking after the game, Jokic was asked about Murray making his first All-Star game.
"He's been playing at a really high level the last few years. It's good for him to be there because he's supposed to be there," he said.
Jokic said that they have been on similar but different paths during their respective careers.
Jokic was drafted 41st overall in 2014, while Murray was drafted seventh overall in 2016. The two came off the bench together for a stretch in Murray's rookie season, but by the end of the year, Jokic had established himself as the starter.
Murray would take over the starting role in 2017-18, and the two have established Denver as one of the premier teams in the Western Conference.
Murray's Importantance To Jokic
"I wouldn't change him for anybody. Whenever I say who my top five are in my career, he's definitely number one," said Jokic.
Jokic noted that they have a great relationship on the court and that they never fight because one guy is always mad when the other is not, so they balance each other out.
The on-court chemistry is evident with many considering them to be one of the best duos in the NBA given their respective abilities to play off of each other.
They are a career 341-195 in games they've played together, including an NBA Championship in 2022-23.
Hanging Out In Los Angeles?
Jokic is an All-Star veteran, with 2026 being his eighth straight appearance in the game.
With Murray heading to his first All-Star weekend, Jokic was asked if they would be hanging out in LA.
Jokic said that he wasn't sure because his family would be coming to the game, and that it's not really that exciting.
Murray and Jokic will both play on the World All-Stars as Jokic represents Serbia and Murray represents Canada.