Nuggets GM Calvin Booth Says Jamal Murray, MPJ Ready To Go

General manager Calvin Booth has hit the ground running as the new main man for the Nuggets, and he delivered some promising news on Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., via Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.

“I definitely think they’ll both be healthy (to start the season),” Booth said, via Vorkunov. “Especially with the nature of Mike’s injury, and even Jamal, we’ll probably have to be wary about back-to-backs and things of that nature. As we get close to the season Coach (Mike Malone) and I will sit down with performance staff and map out a plan for what that looks like during the regular season.”

Murray also recently addressed his return in an interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

“It’s been a learning experience and a test of patience,” Murray told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. “Everything happens for a reason. I learned a lot, and I’m excited to be back out there.” 

Murray suffered a torn ACL in a game against the Warriors in April 2021. At the time, he was averaging 21.2 points, 4.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds. Clearly, the Nuggets are a different team without him. And a much better one with him.

“A championship mindset, a winning attitude, and raising everybody’s level of play,” Murray told Scotto on what he has to offer. “That’s what I do best.”

Booth touched on several other topics in his extensive chat with Vorkunov, including the trade of JaMychal Green to the Thunder (he has since landed with the Warriors), and back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic.

“It helped us open up another roster spot to get a more regarded or better defender on the perimeter,” Booth said of the Green trade. “JaMychal brought a lot of toughness and explosion around the rim and he’s a great shooter, but (defending) in space wasn’t his strength. So, it allowed us to open up a roster spot where we can get somebody that could be more versatile and switch and do something like that.”

As for Jokic, Booth said the Nuggets are aiming to make the most of his prime.