Paris Olympics: Despite Injury Woes, Jamal Murray Looks At Team Canada Stint As Distraction

Winning the NBA championship surely took a toll on Jamal Murray and he had to draw back from competing in the FIBA World Cup 2023. But with the excitement of the 2024 Paris Olympics gaining traction, it seems like Murray might just consider joining Team Canada. Last year’s bronze medal was a combined effort of talented NBA players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks, Lu Dort, and R.J. Barrett.

Having qualified for the Olympics for the first time since 2000, the Canadian men’s basketball team is far from having a final roster. It is under these circumstances that the Nuggets guard has come forth with his interest in Team Canada. But hearing what he has to say on the subject might make you wonder about his intentions.

“That’s another fun time of the year …  You get so tired of the season, traveling over and over. And Olympics will be like a nice little  distraction from competition for a slight bit because everybody’s so close to each other in the league and we get to play against peers for once.”

Injuries have been a common factor for Jamal Murray since the championship year and now. From sprained ankles, shin splints, and the latest, right knee inflammation, Murray’s season has been fraught with leg injuries. Despite it all, he’s having the best season of his career, averaging 21.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 42.5% from downtown. Except for the points and rebounds, the rest of the numbers are career-best.

Coach Malone and the team have been careful with Murray. His return with just five games left in the regular season was a blessing in disguise. Playoffs do not provide grounds to play so-so. Hence, letting the 27-year-old get his rhythm back on minute restriction while still playing in a playoff atmosphere was just what Denver could have hoped for.

But going back to Murray’s “excitement” for the Olympics, the Canadian national team head coach, Jordi Fernandez, might be willing to overlook his “distraction” comment.

Coach Fernandez hinted at welcoming NBA players to the team for the Paris Olympics

When the media in Toronto caught wind of Fernandez in town, they had enough questions to ask the internationally renowned and current assistant coach of Sacramento. It was in this presser that the 41-year-old also provided subtle hints of leading Team Canada to glory this Olympic season. “Doors are open for everybody,” he had said.

But he knows the cons of heading a national team well. Injuries, players backing out, and in the case of Jamal Murray, the NBA season running to July, are all factors to consider. But he also had some good news. “Every single player that played are excited to play again…and the players that didn’t have the opportunity to play, they expressed their excitement and their willingness to play.”

Well, that’s promising. But right now, they do have a postseason to take care of. And with Fernandez on the fast track to be the head coach of Brooklyn, the Spanish native has a lot on his plate.