Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is a rarity in today’s NBA as coaches often get booted off their teams whenever their team is struggling. He’s only one of four tacticians who have coached more than 700 games with their current teams.
His ability to maximize Nikola Jokic’s talent plays a huge part of his success in the pros. The Serbian superstar is thriving under his system, and they already have one championship ring to show for their efforts.
However, he is among the people who knows how long it takes to turn any program into a successful one. The franchise’s trust in his vision was as equally important to his team’s outstanding performances.
That detail tells a lot of information on why he reacted a certain way after hearing about a colleague’s surprise departure from hist eam.
Denver Nuggets’ Michael Malone is ‘shocked’ to hear of Taylor Jenkins’ firing
Malone, who has been with the Nuggets since June 2015, thinks that something is up with the surprising way the Memphis Grizzlies took care of Taylor Jenkins.
Per ClutchPoints’ Nathan Yasis:
“I was shocked. Shocking and odd at the same time. There’s gotta be something going on that I’m not privy to,” said Malone in a quote via Altitude TV’s Vic Lombardi.
The main reason for Malone’s surprise at the decision was the timing of it all. The Grizzlies are almost locked in to make the postseason with a 44-29 record. While Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s numbers have been disappointing, it’s clear from the team’s regular-season performances that Taylor is making it work there.
Since it’s only weeks until the regular season ends, it’s hard to see how the Grizzlies would mount a deep postseason run.
The Nuggets are thriving under Malone
Meanwhile, Nuggets fans don’t have a lot to worry about with their team. While their 47-28 record pits them at the third seed, everyone in the league knows Malone’s team is still one of the most dangerous teams to face in the playoffs.
Jokic is still the star man, but Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray are starting to heat up at the right time. Russell Westbrook also continues to amaze with his play.
The Nugets will always have a shot at making the Finals with Malone on the sidelines. And unlike the Grizzlies, it doesn’t seem like they’re parting ways any time soon.
For More Content
Reach me on social media @ebbydancel for questions and opportunities. Click here for more content about your favorite NBA, WNBA, and college basketball teams!
