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Hollywood, CA – July 12: Jamal Murray arrives on the red carpet at the 2023 ESPY Awards in Dolby Theatre in Hollywood Wednesday, July 12, 2023. The 2023 ESPY Awards will be held, celebrating the biggest moments in sports and athletics over the past year. Lil Wayne and H.E.R. are among those scheduled to perform. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage; White Sox pitcher/cancer survivor Liam Hendriks will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance; and the Buffalo Bills training staff credited with saving the life of Damar Hamlin after he suffered an on-field cardiac arrest will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service. The list of presenters includes Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Mike Tyson, Peyton and Eli Manning, Travis Kelce, Quavo, Lil Rel Howery and Chris Berman. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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Hollywood, CA – July 12: Jamal Murray arrives on the red carpet at the 2023 ESPY Awards in Dolby Theatre in Hollywood Wednesday, July 12, 2023. The 2023 ESPY Awards will be held, celebrating the biggest moments in sports and athletics over the past year. Lil Wayne and H.E.R. are among those scheduled to perform. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage; White Sox pitcher/cancer survivor Liam Hendriks will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance; and the Buffalo Bills training staff credited with saving the life of Damar Hamlin after he suffered an on-field cardiac arrest will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service. The list of presenters includes Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Mike Tyson, Peyton and Eli Manning, Travis Kelce, Quavo, Lil Rel Howery and Chris Berman. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The anticipation for the FIBA World Cup is reaching its peak among fans worldwide. However, there’s one absence in the Canadian team that is being analyzed by NBA insiders. This decision comes from a 26YO Canadian star who had an injury-plagued season.
With the potential for a lucrative contract extension on the horizon, an NBA insider is guessing whether financial considerations played a role in this unexpected announcement.?
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A Canadian NBA star?s injury-stricken season due to an injury
Jamal Murray’s decision to be absent from FIBA can be traced back to the injury he suffered during the 2021-22 season. On April 12, 2021, Murray tore his anterior ligament in a game against the Golden State Warriors. His badly twisted ankle forced him to sit out the entire season. It was a devastating blow to Murray and the Denver Nuggets, as he was a key player in the lineup.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 7, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in game three of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
After a grueling rehabilitation process, he got back on the court. In his next season, he helped lead the team to become the NBA champions. But despite his successful comeback, he has decided to forgo playing for Canada in the World Cup due to this bad injury.?
In an interview with ESPN, NBA front insider Bobby Marks discusses with Tim McMahon and Chiney Ogwumike, along with Kendrick Perkins, if Murray?s contract extension might have been the reason for him to not play in FIBA.?
Bobby Marks weighs in on Murray’s options?
Marks suggests that considering Murray missed an entire season due to injury and since he currently has two years remaining on his contract with the Nuggets, making any hasty decisions could jeopardize future earning potential.
He summarizes his argument by saying, ?I don?t think you can risk going out and I certainly expect him to go to training camp to play for Canada,?but I?think what?s out there in the future is his future earnings and it?s certainly a priority.?
With such a significant financial opportunity on the horizon, Murray has chosen to prioritize his future earnings and focus on his NBA career. His absence from the FIBA World Cup is undoubtedly a blow to the team. However, his pragmatism has stunned the analysts.
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The Canadian team too still boasts a talented roster, including players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks and Zach Edey. These players will be tasked with representing Canada and aiming for a top-two finish amongst teams from the Americas to secure direct qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Written by
Edited by
Aayush Kapoor