Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman has issued a bold endorsement for star guard Jamal Murray, declaring him the second-best player at the position in the NBA this season. The high praise came after a disappointing 110-100 road loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday, which marked Denver’s fourth defeat in their first nine games of the 2026-27 campaign. Despite the team’s inconsistent record, Adelman emphasized that Murray’s individual performance has been elite, stating that only Luka Doncic has played better at the guard position to start the year.
Coach Adelman ranks Murray second only to Doncic at guard despite Denver’s 5-4 start
Murray delivered a standout individual effort in the loss, scoring 38 points on efficient 14-of-23 shooting from the field. His impact was most critical in the final minutes, as he drained 15 of his total points in the fourth quarter alone. Alongside Nikola Jokic, Murray accounted for 63 of Denver’s 100 points, highlighting a stark disparity between the frontcourt duo and the supporting cast. The Nuggets’ bench and perimeter defenders struggled to contain Houston’s firepower, leaving Murray and Jokic to shoulder the offensive burden without adequate help.
The Nuggets’ 5-4 start reflects a team still finding its rhythm, yet Adelman’s comments signal confidence in Murray’s trajectory. By comparing Murray directly to the league’s premier guard, Adelman underscores the expectation that Denver’s core will elevate the team’s performance as the season progresses. For now, Murray’s ability to score at will remains the Nuggets’ most reliable asset, even as the organization works to stabilize its overall defensive and offensive balance.
Source: Yahoo Sports
