The Denver Nuggets hired Michael Malone as head coach on Tuesday. This is the second head coaching job of his career. Is this the right man for the job?
The Denver Nuggets opening became available after Brian Shaw was fired on March 3rd. They were 20-39 at the time. During his last week on the job, Nuggets players were saying “1-2-3-6 weeks” in the huddle. Most sport experts thought this meant the players had six weeks until the end of the season. Shaw said it meant they hadn’t won a home game in six weeks. In his tenure Shaw had a record of 56-85. This was his first head coaching job. The Nuggets tabbed Melvin Hunt as the interim coach. He guided the Nuggets to a 10-13 finish. Fans and media members believed he had done enough to be the next head coach.
The Denver Nuggets took their time. They didn’t want to make the same mistake they made when hiring Brian Shaw. The Nuggets sought a coach with NBA head coaching experience. They interviewed Melvin Hunt, Mike D’Antoni, and Michael Malone. In the end, the Nuggets chose Michael Malone.
Malone coached the Sacramento Kings part of last year and the whole 2013- 2014 season. He was 39-67. Malone was fired this year after an 11-13 start. His style is similar to George Karl, who helped the Nuggets reach the NBA Western Conference Finals in 2009. According to ESPN, Malone promotes the Nuggets playing a faster pace of game, saying, “All players say they want to play fast, but are they willing to condition themselves to be a great running team, where you can run for 48 minutes? A lot of guys are not ready to make that full commitment. That’s something I look forward to working with them on and demanding from them, so we can become an efficient running team.”
Team President Josh Kroenke is eager for him to start, saying, “We’re excited to implement that style of play. Mike is going to coach our guys the best he sees fit. No matter who’s on our team this year, next year, the year after, Mike is in a great position.”
The Denver Nuggets have talent returning on this roster. This includes: forwards Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Kenneth Faried; guards Randy Foye, J.J. Hickson, Ty Lawson; and center Jusuf Nurkic. They also have the number 7 pick in this years’ NBA draft.
Brian Shaw’s style never seemed to fit into this roster. Shaw preached defense first. In order for the Nuggets to be successful, they have to run. This is the type of offense Michael Malone will use. An up-tempo running offense will hopefully tire the defense, which will lead to more wins.
What do you think of the Denver Nuggets new hire?
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