Michael Malone is now not the Nuggets coach, and is instantly backing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Nikola Jokic for MVP.
Michael Malone was unceremoniously fired by the Denver Nuggets simply three video games earlier than the NBA playoffs. It was a wild transfer, on condition that they have been the fourth seed and had completed fairly effectively.
Malone was reportedly going to get the axe whatever the Nuggets’ season. In truth, GM Calvin Sales space had deliberate to fireplace him earlier than the Nuggets gained the 2023 NBA championship.
There’s nonetheless loads of ambiguity relating to Malone’s departure. Some imagine that Nikola Jokic performed an element in Malone’s dismissal.
It seems there may be some reality to this assertion, as Malone’s current feedback on his ESPN debut concerning the Serbian appear to counsel some discord.
Learn Extra: Michael Malone suspected Calvin Sales space employed ‘a spy’ to maintain tabs on him, claims NBA analyst
Michael Malone made his debut for ESPN as an analyst after Recreation 1 of the Western Convention Finals. And it’s protected to say he’s made some waves already.
Whereas talking about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Malone was all reward, even calling him the MVP of the NBA this season.
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed why he’s the MVP. He took over within the second half.”
It is a far cry from the argument he made whereas head coach of the Nuggets, as Malone persistently backed Nikola Jokic to win the MVP.
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May Malone’s shift in MVP stance be hinting at points between him and Nikola Jokic? Or is it simply him now not having to toe the corporate line for the Nuggets anymore?
We’ll in all probability have extra solutions as time goes on. However that is actually a drastic shift from the person who just some months in the past was banging the drum for Jokic.
Given Jokic’s persona, it’s unlikely he’ll specific any public disappointment with Malone’s phrases. If something, he may not react in any respect.
However Malone is thought to be a hothead and might act out when he’s disgruntled. So this shouldn’t come as an excessive amount of of a shock.
