Denver Nuggets: 2017-18 player grades for Jamal Murray

Strengths

Jamal Murray improved across the board in his second year in the NBA. He put up career-high averages in points, assists and rebounds per game as well as field goal percentage (45.1) and 3-point field goal percentage.

The Nuggets’ backcourt is still a work in progress, but building around Murray has been a positive experience. After trading Emmanuel Mudiay, Murray averaged 4.1 assists per contest in the team’s final 28 games. It’s something to build on this offseason as they work Paul Millsap back into the fold.

They also have Wilson Chandler and Mason Plumlee in the mix as well. Chandler is an asset they’ll need to use to their advantage after they were unable to move him via trade last season.

Outside of his improved ability as a passer, Murray also continues to excel as a 3-point marksman. He shot 37.8 percent in 2017-18, making a team-high 165 3-pointers. He finished 26th among other NBA players during the regular season, but it’s something to build on as he looks to blossom into a star.