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Nuggets: Can Jamal Murray win Rookie of the Year?

By Kyle Standfield

Feb 28, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) during the second half of the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) during the second half of the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Comparing the numbers between Saric, Brogdon and Murray, it’s clear that, from a statistical standpoint, that Jamal Murray may have his work cut out for him if he is to win the Rookie of the Year award.

Dario Saric leads the trio in scoring at 11.6 points per game, ahead of Brogdon at 9.9 points and Murray at 9.0 points per contest. Brogdon is the most efficient scorer at 44 percent overall compared to Murray at 39 percent, while Saric unsurprisingly out rebounds the two guards by approximately four rebounds per contest.

Brogdon also leads the three players in assists at 4.1 per game, almost two assist more than Saric and Murray.

Murray however, leads the trio in free throw percentage and averages the least amount of turnovers. The Nuggets rookie has started in just four games this season, compared to Brogdon and Saric who have compiled 32 starts between them. Murray also averages five minutes less per game than both of his fellow rookies.

A lot of the advanced statistics like PER, win shares and true shooting percentage lean towards either Brogdon or Saric.

While this paints a bleak picture for Murray’s chances at the award, it doesn’t rule him out completely. Murray is playing on the best team, by far. The Sixers have improved this season, but will still find themselves at the top end of the lottery while the Bucks have fallen off after a promising start to the season.

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Voters don’t typically take into account a teams overall record when deciding on Rookie of the Year like they do with MVP. However, some may look to the fact Murray is contributing meaningful minutes of a potentially playoff bound team and reward him of the race for the award is close.

Even with Embiid going down with his knee injury, Jamal Murray is not the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Dario Saric and Malcolm Brogdon have had better statistical seasons and have had the chance to show their skills off more.

Next: Evaluating the Broncos' RB Situation

While Jamal Murray may not win the award, I have no doubt he will be the best player of this draft class, outside of Joel Embiid and perhaps Ben Simmons, for years to come.

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