Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic (15) is defended by Boston Celtics' Al Horford during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan 19, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Denver Nuggets Star Jamal Murray Speaks Out on Playing for Team Canada in Paris Olympics
Canada finished third in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which was held in Manila, Philippines, behind Germany and Serbia. With the Canadians on their way to the Paris Olympics, Denver Nuggets player Jamal Murray has finally revealed whether or not he will play for his native nation.
Murray is now out of play due to an ankle injury. The Nuggets’ starting point guard has only played 54 games this season, averaging 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists while shooting 47% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc.
Team Canada, on the other hand, has well-known NBA players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team in scoring, averaging 24.5 points per game at the most recent FIBA World Cup, while also contributing 6.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists. RJ Barrett averaged 16.8 points per game, while Dillon Brooks scored 15.1.
Aside from those stars, Team Canada’s squad includes Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luguentz Dort, Kelly Olynyk, and Dwight Powell. Murray’s addition will provide the team with a legitimate star to manage the offence at point guard while also providing another layer to the offensive scheme.
Murray has announced whether or not he would join Team Canada for the 2024 Olympics, months after the FIBA World Cup finished. In a piece published on Eurohoops, the Nuggets star answered.
“Commenting on such an excellent assignment, he expressed his willingness to participate. “I’m excited to be there,” he told Eurohoops. “We have a strong squad; it was fantastic to see them win a gold [in the 2023 FIBA World Cup]. “Hopefully, we can go our way and win gold this summer,” he added.
Regarding Canada’s potential, he expressed optimism, highlighting the national team’s underappreciated strengths. “I’m delighted to meet our gang. “We’ve got so many underrated guys on the team that you don’t really pay attention to, but they can impact the game in a variety of ways,” the story added.
