Nuggets Star Set To Miss FIBA World Cup This Year

The Denver Nuggets had a very long season, but it paid off.

Mike Malone’s squad went the distance for the first time in franchise history, taking the Larry O’Brien trophy home with them.

And while Jamal Murray would’ve loved to make it 2 for 2 with the national team, it seems like that will no longer be possible.

According to Canada Basketball (via Legion Hoops), the star point guard will miss the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

Jamal Murray is expected to miss the FIBA World Cup, per @CanBball. pic.twitter.com/0PQzfKoJqK

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 16, 2023

Murray will reportedly need some more time to rehab and recover ahead of the upcoming NBA season.

He attended Canada’s camp and tried to give it a go, but after further consultation with the medical staff and his camp, the now NBA champion decided it was best for him to skip the tournament.

It’s worth noting that Murray has a history of injuries, as he had to miss the entire 2021-22 NBA season with a torn ACL, so it’s only normal that he’s being as cautious as possible this time around, especially after playing 20 postseason games just a couple of months ago.

Notably, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had already ruled himself out of the World Cup for the same reasons.

Murray is a fierce competitor and the kind of guy who wants to be on the court every time, but he has to take a look at the bigger picture and think about his future here.

And while Team Canada features plenty of NBA talent, no other player played as many games as Murray did last season.

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