2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Top Contenders For Rookie Of The Year

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Oct 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) defends against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Even though he’ll have more minutes to start than Embiid, Jamal Murray is a dark horse for the award.

Minutes and time to play are one thing, but opportunities to score and contribute are another.

Emmanuel Mudiay, Gary Harris and Will Barton will take up most of the touches at guard. The young Denver Nuggets marksman won’t be a top offensive option over those guys.

At least not yet.

But what he does offer the Nuggets is an immediate impact from beyond the arc.

During preseason, he shot 10-of-32 from three, but that’s not the be-all, end-all of his upside.

Murray has legitimate deep range with a quick, smooth release. He’s crafty at finding looks for himself both off the catch and off the dribble.

If he has any open space he’s a knockdown threat each time. Mudiay’s penetration and drive-and-kick game will suit Murray well in the short term.

Down the line he’ll likely inherit more ball handling duties as a backup point guard. His potential as a combo guard similar to the Portland Trail Blazers‘ C.J. McCollum flashes each time he’s on the floor.

He has a logjam to work through in Denver. If given a shot, however, he’s just as talented as his peers.