Fired Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone shared a heartfelt farewell to the franchise after being let go earlier this week. In Sunday’s difficulty of The Denver Submit, Malone bought a full-page advert to specific his gratitude to his former gamers, teaching workers, possession and the Nuggets devoted.
Throughout his 10-year tenure with Denver, Malone collected a 471-327 report and delivered the franchise’s first-ever championship in 2023.
Regardless of the beautiful mid-season dismissal — setting an NBA report for probably the most video games coached (79, tied with Hubie Brown) and most wins (47, tied with Larry Brown) earlier than being fired — Michael Malone parted methods with nothing however appreciation for the town and the crew.
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“Ten years in the past, I used to be offered with the unimaginable alternative to be the Head Coach of the Denver Nuggets,” he wrote. “Little did I do know the profound affect that might have on the following decade of my life.”
“To Nuggets Nation, it has been my absolute pleasure to steer and combat for our crew each night time. To assist convey Denver its first NBA Championship is an accomplishment that I’ll at all times cherish. I will likely be ceaselessly grateful for the unwavering love and help you confirmed me and my household.”
Malone ended his message by calling Denver house and expressing how a lot the function meant to him:
“Denver is house, and being your coach has been my privilege. Thanks, all!”
Michael Malone was fired alongside GM Calvin Sales space, with whom he reportedly clashed over roster selections — a rift that contributed to inner pressure throughout the group.
Assistant coach David Adelman has taken over within the interim, whereas Denver is anticipated to start a complete basic supervisor search within the offseason.
Jamal Murray displays on Michael Malone’s affect on him
On Friday, Nuggets star Jamal Murray opened up about Michael Malone’s firing, calling him the one coach he’s identified within the NBA.
He credited Malone for serving to him modify to life within the league and stated the franchise wouldn’t be the place it’s with out him.
“Coach at all times has had my again, from a younger child developing on this league up till now. He’s at all times rooted for me,” Murray stated (per The Denver Submit). “Like I stated, he at all times had my again and at all times stored me in good spirits. … We don’t get right here with out him.”
He admitted it “sucks” to lose Malone, particularly so late within the season.
“He at all times preached quite a lot of sacrifice and taking part in for each other and stuff, however I assumed Coach at all times confirmed quite a lot of humility in himself,” Murray added. “All the time taking management of the room. All the time hating to lose. He was at all times setting the tone in that regard.”
The Nuggets wrapped up the common season with a 50-32 report, securing the No. 4 seed within the West and driving a three-game win streak heading into their first-round matchup with the fifth-seeded LA Clippers.