During his rookie season last year, Dejounte Murray showed glimpses of his true potential and proved that he belongs in the NBA. He did find himself playing for the Austin Spurs on multiple occasions, as the team wanted him to gain more experience and extra workouts, but whenever he played for Gregg Popovich, he showcased his impressive skill set, and winning attitude.

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Now with Tony Parker still recovering from an injury, it opens up the possibility of Murray receiving more playing time, or could even start for San Antonio this coming season. That said, the pressure might be too much for the 21-year-old Washington product, but instead of allowing it to get the best of him, he made it known, via Tom Osborn of MySanAntonio.com, that he will embrace the opportunity, and will not be afraid of it.

“I ain’t afraid of the moment,” Murray said. “ I’m ready for whatever. Coach runs the minutes. Whatever he needs me to do, whether it’s five minutes or zero minutes or 20, I’m willing to help this team and bring my energy.”

Dejounte Murray’s confidence stems from being coached by one of the league’s all-time greats, and is also being mentored now by legendary coach Larry Brown, who recently visited Popovich in the Spurs’ training camp. He understands how lucky he is to learn from them both, and that it will help him improve his game further.

dejounte murray, spurs
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“Being around coach Pop, he’s a legend, but seeing someone like coach (Brown) coming in, it’s even more of a thankful thing for me. I like to be around great people and people who know the game.”

It remains to be seen it Murray will get the nod from the coaching staff to start games for them early in the season, but with the valuable lessons he’s learned and the confidence he has with his skills, it won’t come as a complete surprise if he gets it. His youth could be the difference for the Spurs, as they seek redemption from their conference finals loss last season, as he could provide them with a lot of energy, hustle, and improved playmaking.