via Imago
Nov 14, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles a ball past Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Nov 14, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles a ball past Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA All-star weekend is just around the corner. It comprises the Rising stars challenge, the 3-point shooting contest, the Slam Dunk Contest, and, of course, the NBA All-Star game. The All-star game comprises the best players in the league who have been picked by fans, players, and coaches.
And this year, we have several first-time all-stars. Being an All-Star is a dream for many players and a for a few of them, it’s coming true this time around. Ja Morant, Darius Garland, Fred Van Fleet, and Andrew Wiggins were all selected for the all-star rosters. And with Kevin Durant and Draymond Green missing the games due to injury, Lamelo Ball and Dejounte Murray will be taking their place. This is the first appearance for both these youngsters.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 18, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) drives to the net past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Patrick Beverley (22) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
Dejounte Murray is having a hell of a season for the San Antonio Spurs. He’s averaging 19.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 9.2 assists in just under 35 mins per game. The man has been averaging a near triple-double and he is one of the best defenders at his position. He has been leading the Spurs and putting up all-star numbers while they compete for a spot in the play-in tournament.
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LeBron James and other NBA players congratulate Dejounte Murray on his First All-star selection
Several NBA players, including LeBron James and Zach Lavine, congratulated Murray on his selection. Here are some of their reactions:
LOVE that kid!! Been in his ear since day 1. PROUD OF YOU @DejounteMurray 🖤🖤 https://t.co/Wj3z5npYui
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 7, 2022
I was told at @DejounteMurray had background issues. He was passed up by several teams because of it, left in the green room! Today he’s an AllStar!! #TheyDontGetToDefineUs #AllGrindNoGimmicks
— Rich Paul (@RichPaul4) February 7, 2022
Congrats killa @DejounteMurray well deserved fam! Only a few of us from the trenches with that All Star right next to your name… Keep going bro 🏁
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) February 7, 2022
Happy for my dawg! More then deserving @DejounteMurray 💯
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) February 7, 2022
Told y’all it was just a matter of time..So happy for my brother @DejounteMurray! 🙌🏾
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) February 7, 2022
Well deserved @DejounteMurray 💪🏾🤝🏾💯 … He been putting on all year… Congrats fam… https://t.co/DIzpBB4CN8
— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) February 7, 2022
Dejounte!!!! https://t.co/Qj4s8PsdaB
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) February 7, 2022
The Journey of Dejounte Murray to his first All-star game
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Murray was drafted 29th overall in the 2016 NBA draft by the Spurs. He was not a highly recruited candidate, and several teams passed on him. However, the boy showed signs of his potential in his very first season and he helped the Spurs beat the Rockets in the playoffs.
USA Today via Reuters
May 12, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) is guarded by San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
In his second season, he was named in the All-Defensive second team, the youngest person in NBA history ever. However, in 2018, Murray tore his ACL in a pre-season game, causing him to miss the entire season.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Ja Morant’s Iconic performance against LeBron James and the Lakers
With Tony Parker leaving, Murray became the starting point guard for the Spurs in the 2019-2020 season. He has improved each year, increasing his numbers across the board. With Green being injured, Murray was rightfully named as his replacement in the All-Star game.
