After the Denver Nuggets assigned Jamal Murray to the Grand Rapids Gold to get him some practice time, there were high hopes that it would lead to his return to the team sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, as head coach Michael Malone suggested, that is not the case.
Speaking with reporters ahead of Sunday's showdown with the Boston Celtics, Malone confirmed that Murray is “not close” to play in games this season. Per Mike Singer of the Denver Post, Malone highlighted the possibility of bringing Murray back to their G League affiliate for more practice.
Considering the situation, the Nuggets still have no specific timeline on when fans can expect Murray to return to NBA action.
Michael Malone says Jamal Murray is “not close” to playing in any of the games. Said there’s a possibility he could go back down to Grand Rapids for another “practice block.” Also said there’s not yet a date determined when it would be foolish to bring him back.
— Mike Singer (@msinger) March 20, 2022
Jamal Murray has been recovering from a left ACL injury he sustained in April 2021, which means he has been sidelined for the Nuggets for about 11 months now. There were some optimism during the preseason that the Blue Arrow could make his return a some point in the 2021-22 campaign, but that is looking bleak now given the latest update from Michael Malone.
The Nuggets only have 10 games left after Sunday's contest, so that might not be enough time for Murray to get his body to game shape before the playoffs.
Denver also has Michael Porter Jr. out, and while recent reports indicate a potential return for him in the final stretch of the campaign, Malone also shared that the young wing also has no definite timetable on when he can return from his back injury that needed surgery.
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