Ranking 10 NBA stars returning from injury by playoff importance

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2021 in New York City. The Warriors defeated the Knicks 105-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 13: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets works out before the game against the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena on December 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) /

NBA star injury returns: No. 4 – Jamal Murray

There was a small window of time near the end of last season when the Denver Nuggets looked like the title favorites. Having traded for Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets were talent-packed and versatile, ready to take on any opponent, deployed around the league MVP. Then Jamal Murray tore his ACL, the rest of the backcourt started going down left and right, and the Nuggets instead limped to a second-round exit.

Murray has missed all of this season but is nearing his return. As one of the league’s best “tough shot makers” Murray is well suited to punish teams who shift coverage away from him to double Nikola Jokic.

Add in Michael Porter Jr., another shooter on the wing, and Aaron Gordon prepared to cut, and Murray will both have plenty of space to work with and a chance to score in bunches even if he is easing back onto the court.

The Nuggets are 40-28, just 1.5 games out of fifth and 2.5 out of fourth. They are a dangerous team and will be even more dangerous with Murray back in the lineup. He and Jokic have unbelievable chemistry together, and the last time we saw them in a postseason together, Murray was dropping multiple 50-burgers and the Nuggets went to the Conference Finals.

Murray will need time to ramp back to his normal self, and next season’s Nuggets team should be in an even better position. A healthy Murray and Porter this season, however, could make for an exciting postseason for Nuggets fans.