Denver Nuggets: 3 takeaways from the fallout of Jamal Murray’s injury
By Duncan Smith
Takeaway No. 2 for the Denver Nuggets in the aftermath of Jamal Murray’s injury: His recovery will go into next season or longer
Jamal Murray’s injury won’t just damage the 2020-21 outlook for the Denver Nuggets, it will also have longer-lasting repercussions down the road. An optimistic recovery period would see him return in nine to 12 months, but there’s a varying timetable with this injury.
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Using past players who have suffered this injury as a barometer, Danilo Gallinari tore his ACL 71 games into the 2012-13 season (also with the Denver Nuggets, ironically enough) and missed all of the 2013-14 season. He came back in 2014-15 but has never played more than 68 games in a season since (worth noting that he only played more than 68 games twice in his career before it).
Gallinari remains a lethal offensive force, but availability remains a critical flaw in what he can bring a team.
Zach LaVine also suffered a torn ACL in 2016-17 at the age of 22 (a year younger than Murray is now) and missed 11 months. He struggled upon his return, but his progression to stardom since then has been impressive.
Murray may very well miss all of next season, but LaVine’s star turn should be a source of hope for him, his family and his Denver Nuggets teammates.