The Denver Nuggets have made the choice to fireside head coach Michael Malone, in a shocking flip of occasions.
Days earlier than the NBA playoff image is firmly established, the Denver Nuggets have made the choice to fireside head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Sales space.
The stunning resolution was confirmed in a press release launched from proprietor Josh Kroenke, who mentioned: “Whereas the timing of this resolution is unlucky, as Coach Malone helped construct the inspiration of our now championship degree program, it’s a obligatory step to permit us to compete on the highest degree proper now.
“Championship degree requirements and expectations stay in place for the present season, and as we glance to the long run, we look ahead to constructing on the foundations laid by Coach Malone over his record-breaking 10-year profession in Denver.”
The Nuggets had misplaced 4 straight and had been prone to falling into the Play-In match, having been third within the Western Convention simply days earlier.
And now, all eyes give attention to star heart and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.
Nikola Jokic’s profession has been tied in with very long time Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. The pair received the 2023 NBA Championship collectively, and the Serbian was drafted underneath him.
And now with Malone unceremoniously fired, followers of the Nuggets’ opponents the LA Lakers are dreaming of Jokic being tempted to make a change.
What appeared inconceivable has turn into rather less so, with the completely surprising commerce that introduced Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers.
The 2 Japanese Europeans have beforehand made light-hearted feedback about eager to play collectively prior to now.
And now LA Lakers followers are dreaming that Malone’s firing will make Nikola Jokic rethink his personal future.
One wrote: “Nikola received’t like this. He’ll take into consideration pairing with Luka subsequent season now for positive.”
“Jokic is a future Los Angeles Laker”, added one other, whereas a 3rd wrote: “Jokic to the Lakers to hitch Doncic”
“Luka making a ghost name to Jokic proper now”, one other mentioned, with an extra remark studying: “Jokic it’s time to play along with your greatest good friend Luka.”
One other predicted: “Jokic and Luka will play collectively quickly,” whereas one excited fan wrote: “Luka & Jokic gone hit like Showtime Lakers within the 80’s.
“Jokic and Luka on the Lakers is gonna go loopy, added one other.
“Can’t await Jokic to come back to Lakers and hearken to ESPN speak about how him and Luka received’t match,” one mentioned sarcastically.
And another fan added: “sixth man LeBron amassing rings whereas Jokic and Luka win 10 in a row wow.”
Others even went so far as mocking up Nikola Jokic within the Los Angeles Lakers purple and gold.
Amid the backlash on the Dallas Mavericks, the Denver Nuggets would certainly not be silly sufficient to commerce Nikola Jokic away.
This implies LA Lakers must wait till Nikola Jokic hits free company. He has a participant possibility he might select to say no in summer season 2027.
Luka Doncic truly stands to hit the market first, in summer season 2026.
The Lakers shall be making intensive efforts to lock him up. But when the Nuggets do actually need to safe Jokic long-term, they might flip the script the Lakers’ fanbase is writing and go all-in on attempting to unite him in Denver with Jokic, and persuade the Serbian to remain.