Jamal Murray has exceeded all expectations by becoming one of the most consistent performers in the 2023 playoffs. But according to Colin Cowherd, despite averaging 26.7 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.5 rebounds for the Nuggets in the postseason, the former Kentucky guard hasn't been able to earn a superstar status in Denver.
"John Elway is bigger today in Denver than Jamal Murray. John Elway hasn't played for 20 years, 30 years. So, star is production. Superstar is production plus titles plus popularity plus endorsements plus people freaking out in a mall," Cowherd said on 'The Herd.'
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The 59-year-old analyst might have raised a valid point here.Numbers don't matter a thing if you aren't well marketed as an individual. While Murray has performed tremendously well, popularity-wise, he is still under Nikola Jokic's shadow.
Colin then compared Jamal to Lonzo Ball, who, despite being injury prone and not having the same postseason success, still draws more attention than the 26-year-old Canadian.
"Jamal Murray has 1.1 million Instagram followers. Lonzo Ball has 17 million, LiAngelo Ball has 3 million," Colin added. "Superstar equals popularity, not just production. Star equals high production in your sport. Devin Booker is a star. Jaylen Brown is a star."
However, things might turn in Murray's if he can lead the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA Championship-he's averaging 23.3 points and 10.5 assists on 46.1 percent from the field so far in the Finals.
Michael Malone's group has a legitimate chance of securing their first NBA silverware on Monday at home. But the Heat won't go down without a fight. Erik Spoelstra has already warned Denver about it.
"By the time we are getting on that plane, all we're thinking about is get this thing back to Miami," Spo said after Game 4.
Jokic has been the Nuggets' best player this offseason, as he continues to make a case for the best player in the world title. However, Murray has been a close second.
The two will look to end the series in front of their home fans and make Denver sports history. The feat would undoubtedly make Jokic a local legend, and insert Murray into NBA superstardom, at least in the eyes of the Nuggets fans. The way Jamal has been playing this postseason, perhaps the rest of the NBA world should feel the same.