Dejounte Murray soaks up knowledge while giving Spurs a boost with his 'energy'

Recommended Video:

DENVER – From a camaraderie standpoint, injured point guard Dejounte Murray's presence on this trip has given the Spurs a boost.

"To have him around, feel his energy, hear his voice, it's a great thing," guard Bryn Forbes said after shootaround Tuesday morning at the Pepsi Center. "And I think it's good for him too."

But the main reason Murray is accompanying the Spurs on the road throughout the playoffs is to learn more about the game, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

Murray's season ended in the preseason when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. The Spurs had high hopes for him after he made NBA All-Defense Second Team last season.

"Dejounte needs as much experience as he can get," Popovich said. "He's missing the whole year, so (it's good for him to) see what we emphasize as far as the culture, the Os and Xs, learn about his teammates, learn more about DeMar (DeRozan), understand how we want to play, see what the coaches say positively and negatively about what we do. Because he's going to be an important part of what we do next year, the more knowledge we can stuff into him the better."

OnExpressNews.com: For playoff Pop, mum's the word

When he's not sitting in on coaches meetings and film session, Murray continues to do his rehab work.

San Antonio Spurs’ Dejounte Murray's season ended in the preseason when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. San Antonio Spurs’ Dejounte Murray's season ended in the preseason when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. Photo: Jerry Lara /Staff Photographer Photo: Jerry Lara /Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Dejounte Murray soaks up knowledge while giving Spurs a boost with his 'energy' 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

"He's been grinding, working really hard," guard Patty Mills said. "It's good for us to see how hard he is working."

Forward LaMarcus Aldridge said Murray's injury hasn't stopped him from providing leadership.

"He's our point guard, so he's always talking and making sure guys are good," Aldridge said. "It's nice to have him around for sure."

During the Spurs' final road trip of the regular season, Washington Wizards coach Scott Brooks spoke about the lonely feeling athletes experience when they are sidelined for the entire season.

"All athletes have a tough exterior, but deep down it hurts, it hurts a lot not being able to be out there with your teammates competing," Brooks said. "There's nothing worse that being an athlete that can't play during an injury – nothing. You can have him around as much as you can, you can have him help coach and break down film, but still it hurts. It hurts him and everyone who has been in that position to not be out there to play.

"You can be in an arena with 20,000 people and 13 of your best friends and teammates and your staff with you, but you feel like you are just there by yourself."