ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has issued a direct challenge to Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, stating he must raise to an All-NBA level to support Nikola Jokic. The call comes as the Nuggets handle the 2026 preseason, coming off a 122-110 loss to the LA Clippers on October 14.
During ESPN's pregame coverage of the Denver Nuggets' preseason game against the Chicago Bulls, Perkins laid out his expectations. He argued that while Jokic is doing more than enough, Murray needs to take a significant leap. "We need him to take a leap even more. We're talking All-NBA," Perkins said. "At this point, Jokic is doing more than enough." Murray, a key part of the 2023 championship run, has yet to earn an All-Star or All-NBA selection in his career.
The Nuggets' recent playoff exits highlight the issue. They haven't advanced past the second round in the last three seasons. A first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last spring was particularly telling. In that series, Murray averaged 23.7 points but shot just 35% from the field and 26% from three-point range. Those numbers aren't good enough for a secondary star. His inconsistency has forced Jokic to carry an even larger offensive load. The team's preseason results, including a 133-128 win over Chicago and a loss to the Clippers, are less important than establishing reliable chemistry.
Denver is in the middle of its exhibition schedule, testing lineups before the real games begin. After the loss to the Clippers, their immediate focus shifts to their next preseason fixture, an away game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 16. These games are for tuning up, but the underlying questions about roster construction and performance are real. Fans can track the team's preparation and upcoming games on our schedule page. The core need is clear: find a way to get consistent, high-level play from Murray when the games matter most.
Perkins's challenge extends beyond regular season honors. The ultimate goal is playoff reliability. The Nuggets would likely trade an All-NBA nod for the version of Murray that dominated the 2023 postseason. He's a proven three-level scorer when at his best. The task now is making that his standard, not an occasional explosion. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how he responds. His partnership with Jokic remains the engine, but its horsepower depends on Murray's week-to-week output. The preseason is the first place to build that rhythm.
