KEY POINTS

  • The Nuggets are expected to sign some veterans to hone up their NBA playoff drive
  • Murray's status could dictate who Nuggets should take in from the free-agent market
  • The extent of Murray's injury is being monitored closely by the Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are staying the course, but head coach Michael Malone knows that he needs added security on the roster.

Matters may have gotten worse following Jamal Murray’s injury, meaning the team may have to skim the NBA free-agent market for help.

Murray went down with an injury when the Nuggets faced the Golden State Warriors.

In a report from ESPN, the 24-year-old guard injured his knee as he was driving to the basket in the final minutes of their 116-107 loss to the Warriors.

It was a non-contact injury, but the 6-foot-3 cager was visibly in a lot of pain clutching his left knee. The Nuggets are now bracing for what the MRI results may find.

"Some of the [assistant] coaches said when they watched the replay it looked like he hyperextended it. He just came back [from a right knee injury], he was gone for four days. His [right] knee had been bothering him... just an awful feeling. Keep Jamal in your thoughts and prayers, and hopefully, we will get some good news," Malone said.

While most are hoping that Murray’s injury is not severe, the fact remains that Denver needs to add some veteran players in the mix.

The name of Austin Rivers has been floated, someone who is a free agent after he was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The son of Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers was part of that three-team George Hill trade.

Previously, it was speculated that Rivers would be joining the Milwaukee Bucks. But things changed when the team opted to take in Jeff Teague instead.

Denver Nuggets Jamal Murray (L) drives against Royce O'Neale of the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA playoff game in Florida
Denver Nuggets Jamal Murray (L) drives against Royce O'Neale of the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA playoff game in Florida GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / POOL

Rivers is a sensible addition with Denver losing players like Gary Harris and R.J. Hampton, the Denver Post reported.

Aside from the 28-year-old guard, other players allegedly on the Nuggets radar include Troy Daniels and Gerald Green.

However, all this may play second-fiddle with Malone and the Nuggets eager to know the status of Murray.

The Nuggets are running fourth in the Western Conference and are just a game behind the Los Angeles Lakers.

But more importantly, Murray’s injury could spell the difference for the Nuggets who are looking to make another big run in this year’s NBA playoffs.

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