Denver Nuggets Hire Michael Malone As New Head Coach

bleacherreport.com

The Denver Nuggets have recently reached a four-year deal to sign Michael Malone as their new head coach. The fourth year of the deal is a team option, in case the pairing doesn’t work out as the Nuggets expect it to.

Malone started off the 2014-2015 season as the head coach of the Sacramento Kings, but was fired after getting off to an 11-13 start. The firing of Malone took many by surprise; many viewed him to turning the young Kings team around. Perhaps his most impressive piece of work in Sacramento, was his work with Demarcus Cousins. Malone took Cousins as one of the biggest trouble makers in the NBA and turned his whole attitude around. Cousins will still give people trouble sometimes, but he’s much better off the court and on the court.

The Nuggets will ask Malone to bring that same kind of professional attitude to their locker room. Their squad holds talent, but many don’t take them seriously. Perhaps Malone’s presence will turn the Nuggets from a mediocre lottery team into a legit playoff contender. Of course some more talent will be needed, but a serious attitude is a good first step.

Malone will also be a great coach to introduce the Nuggets new rookie into the league. The Nuggets will be picking in the lottery this year, therefore, whoever they pick will be expected to contribute right away. One name commonly linked to the Nuggets when talking about draft prospects is Mario Hezonja. One of the big knocks on Hezonja is his problem with staying positive and being a good teammate. Malone would be the perfect coach to whip Hezonja in to shape.

After going 30-52 last season, the Nuggets could be on the upswing this season. Now that Jusuf Nurkic has one full off-season under his belt, the Nuggets are in a position to compete for a spot in the playoffs once again. It will all depend on how well the team can gel together and maximize their potential. Malone is the perfect coach to make that chemistry appear next season.