When Michael Malone coached the Denver Nuggets, Jamal Murray was one of the first homegrown stars of his era.
One year into Malone’s coaching stint with the tea, the Nuggets added Murray out of the University of Kentucky.
With the seventh-overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft, the Nuggets brought on Murray, who is in the midst of a stellar career. Up until late in the 2024-2025 NBA season, Malone was the only head coach Murray had known.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 21: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets plays the New York Knicks during the fpurth quarter at Ball Arena on March 21, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
After the Nuggets made the shocking decision to cut ties with Malone, Murray watched his first NBA head coach take a step back and develop a career in media. On Monday, April 6, it became clear that Malone’s media career isn’t going to last very long. He’s headed back to a bench, coaching in the NCAA at the University of North Carolina.
Michael Malone News:
- Former Nuggets Head Coach Gets an Impressive New Job
- Fans Sound Off on Michael Malone’s Shocking Move
- Michael Malone Had Interest From NBA Team Before UNC Move
Jamal Murray commented on the move after the Nuggets’ overtime thriller against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jamal Murray Makes Statement on Michael Malone’s UNC Move
GettyDENVER, CO – MARCH 12: Head Coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on March 12, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
via Bennett Durando, Denver Post: “Shoutout to Coach Malone. I think he’ll be great. I think he’ll be a great college coach. I think his daughter is there as well. So I think it’s a win-win for him, and I think he’ll enjoy his next chapter of his coaching career.”
Throughout Murray’s 10-year stint with the Nuggets, he appeared in 536 games throughout the first nine years under Malone.
He started as a valuable reserve in year one and became a full-time starter during his sophomore effort.
Overall, Murray averaged 18.0 points per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. He also produced averages of 3.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – JUNE 12: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets speaks with media after a 94-89 victory against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals to win the NBA Championship at Ball Arena on June 12, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Prior to his firing, Malone coached the Nuggets through four playoff runs. In 2022-2023, the Nuggets won the NBA Championship. That remains one of the most prominent accomplishments on Murray’s NBA resume.
UNC won’t be Malone’s first run at college, but it will be his first chance at a head coaching position. He’s doing it on one of the NCAA’s biggest stages. Former Nuggets players such as Murray are confident he’ll thrive.