It has been less than two weeks since Nikola Jokic hyperextended his knee. The three-time MVP underwent an MRI and is expected to be out for at least four weeks for Denver.
Without Jokic, the Nuggets are trying to weather the storm. They are currently 3-2 in the five games he’s missed. That includes a 114-110 win vs. the Celtics on Wednesday. Denver’s Jamal Murray led the team with a career-high 17 assists vs. Boston. In 2025-26, Murray is having a career-best season with the Nuggets. Why does the 28-year-old deserve to be a first-time all-star this year?
Jamal Murray is making a strong case to become a first-time all-star
Jamal Murray says he’s aiming to be an All-Star, scoring champion, and MVP 👀
(Via @andscape ) pic.twitter.com/y7EwMyV7Td
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 7, 2026
With a 25-12 record, the Nuggets are third in the Western Conference. Jamal Murray has played in 35 of Denver’s 37 games in 2025-26. He is in his ninth season with the Nuggets. The one-time NBA champion has started the year strong. Murray’s 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game are all new career-highs. Additionally, his .443 three-point percentage is a new personal best. On January 5, the NBA released the second round of votes for the All-Star game,
Denver’s Jamal Murray was 15th in the West with 260,014 votes. Fans pick the five starters from each conference. However, head coaches will pick the reserve players. That bodes well for Jamal Murray. He is highly respected around the NBA. Murray has been in all-star contention in the past, but has been snubbed. With Nikola Jokic out for an extended time, Murray has the opportunity to strengthen his resume.
Jamal Murray over the past 20 games:
27.2 PTS
4.7 REB
8.1 AST
48.2% FG
49.4% 3PTALL-STAR 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xxbWqHsJfg
— Hoops Alerts (@TheHoopsAlerts) January 8, 2026
Through his first 35 games of the season, Jamal Murray has already proven he is worthy of an all-stat selection. In his last 20 games, Murray is playing at an elite level. He is averaging 27.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. On top of that, Murray is shooting a lethal .494% from beyond the arc. If he can continue those numbers over the next month, Murray should be a lock for the All-Star Game.
Jamal Murray is enjoying the most productive year of his career so far. His 25.3 points per game are the 19th most of any player this season. Murray’s 7.5 assists per game are the 8th most of any player in 2025-25.
He is top 20 for points and the top 10 for assists per game. The 28-year-old is more than worthy of being named a first-time all-star. Murray will know if he made the all-star game by late Janurary, early February. With the resume he’s built so far in 2025-26, it would be a disservice for Murray not to be selected.
