Mudiay is on point in guard competition

The Denver Post

BOULDER»» Perspective hit Emmanuel Mudiay this summer in the form of a family reunion.

Playing in the 2017 NBA Africa game in Johannesburg also allowed the Nuggets guard to return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the first time since fleeing the war-torn country when he was 5.

Mudiay took in an environment he described as “a tough upbringing.” He spent time with his grandfather before he died. He shared stories about life in the NBA with other relatives, who try to watch games despite the eighthour time difference.

“It changed my life dramatically,” Mudiay said. “My thought process has been different as well.”

Now Mudiay has brought that experience back to Denver, where he’s competing for the Nuggets’ starting point guard job during training camp. It’s the latest turn in a rocky career thus far for Mudiay, the 2015 No. 7 overall draft pick who was propped up as the future of the franchise before falling out of the rotation after a back injury last winter.

But Mudiay has impressed his coach early in training camp.

“I’m proud of him, because this was a really big summer for him,” coach Michael Malone said. “You’re going into your third year in the NBA and you lost your spot in the rotation, what are you going to do with that?

“Obviously, he’s worked very hard this summer, and it shows.”

Malone declared the starting point guard spot an open competition at media day earlier this week, with veteran Jameer Nelson and fellow youngster Jamal Murray also vying for the job. But with Nelson missing practice Tuesday night and Wednesday morning with a toe injury, Mudiay has received more opportunities to run the Nuggets’ potent offense.

Malone called Mudiay’s energy “terrific,” highlighting the way he’s been pushing the tempo and openly communicating with teammates.

That approach does not surprise the coach, given the way Mudiay handled his diminished role with maturity last season. At its conclusion, Malone met with Mudiay and emphasized the importance of the upcoming summer.

Mudiay said he worked on “everything” during the offseason, though his 37.7 field-goal percentage is arguably the most glaring aspect of his game he must improve. He believes his biggest development, however, has been “keeping my mind fresh” and staying comfortable throughout practice.

Malone also saw the value of Mudiay’s trip home first-hand. He was a coach for the NBA Africa Game, where he encouraged Mudiay to play with confidence and aggressiveness as “his biggest fan on that bench.” The coach observed the emotions of Mudiay, along with his two brothers and mother, upon returning to Congo. And Malone began building a relationship with Mudiay that was man-toman, rather than coach-toplayer.

Now Mudiay brings that life experience to Year 3 of his NBA career, and to the Nuggets’ starting point guard competition.

“I’m just going to stick to being myself,” Mudiay said.