The San Antonio Spurs received a pleasant surprise on Monday when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver selected Dejounte Murray as a replacement for the NBA All-Star Game.
Murray received the nod in the wake of Draymond Green's injury that will not be allowing him to suit up in Cleveland. It's the first of Murray's career and comes in his first season as the Spurs' number one option.
While the city of San Antonio and all of Murray's teammates celebrated on social media, several other stars, NBA and otherwise, voiced their congratulations and approval of the selection. One of those was none other than LeBron James, who has turned into a big brother figure for the young point guard.
LOVE that kid!! Been in his ear since day 1. PROUD OF YOU @DejounteMurray ?? https://t.co/Wj3z5npYui
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 7, 2022
"LOVE that kid!! Been in his ear since Day 1. PROUD OF YOU," said James on Twitter.
LeBron has always respected the Spurs organization immensely, dating back to the multiple times he faced them in the NBA Finals. He's had a close connection to Murray for years, sharing a positive message with him when he tore his ACL.
"Lil bro, you'll be back stronger, quicker, faster and more athletic when you return...Minor setback for major comeback."
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 8, 2018
LeBron's message to Dejounte Murray pic.twitter.com/qk8w1RAcIx
A few Washington natives who've been rooting for Murray every step of the way also quickly took to Twitter to show their delight, including Isaiah Thomas, Jamal Crawford, and Zach LaVine.
Congrats killa @DejounteMurray well deserved fam! Only a few of us from the trenches with that All Star right next to your name… Keep going bro ?
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) February 7, 2022
Told y’all it was just a matter of time..So happy for my brother @DejounteMurray! ??
— ? Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) February 7, 2022
Happy for my dawg! More then deserving @DejounteMurray ?
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) February 7, 2022
The man who endorsed Murray to be his injury replacement, Draymond Green, got his wish and was happy about the selection as well.
Dejounte!!!! https://t.co/Qj4s8PsdaB
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) February 7, 2022
A pair of linebackers also expressed their congratulations to Murray on the honor.
It was a matter of time @DejounteMurray https://t.co/6JFsOKVaXq
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) February 7, 2022
Congrats !
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) February 8, 2022
Even a staple of the Seattle SuperSonics, Detlef Schrempf, got in on the action.
I didn’t see it. Dawg for life
— Detlef Schrempf (@Dschrempf) February 8, 2022
The most meaningful message of all came from Dejounte's father, who has expectedly been his biggest supporter throughout his career in San Antonio.
To come back from a injury and do this…. I’m super proud of you Son
— Mr. Murray ? (@TeamMurray05) February 7, 2022
What Murray has accomplished, returning from such a serious injury to make an NBA All-Star appearance in his first season with a truly rebuilding Spurs team, is a hell of a feat. It's good to see there was so much support for him, and it's clear he was more than deserving of the recognition.