Jamal Murray's big year is making a major Nuggets bet pay off

Jan 22, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) looks on before a game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn ImagesJamal Murray is an All-Star for the first time in his career. He's averaging a career-high in points and assists, and he's done an incredible job proving to everyone that the Nuggets' big bet with his max contract extension is paying off.

Murray was proclaimed as one of the big winners of the 2026 season by Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe on "The Bill Simmons Podcast." The pair mentioned how there were questions around his extension last year, with Lowe…