Nikola Jokic might have performed a job in Michael Malone’s dismissal as Denver Nuggets head coach.
A brand new report from The Athletic means that the three-time MVP “had grown pissed off and fatigued by Malone’s fiery methods,” and his persistence started “carrying skinny” final month after the Nuggets suffered a humiliating 126-123 loss to the lowly Washington Wizards.
“When it got here to Malone and his stage of help within the locker room, group and league sources say the underside began to fall out in mid-March,” wrote Sam Amick and Tony Jones, describing the Nuggets locker room state of affairs as a “unhappy state of affairs.”
Jokic seemingly confirmed he was on board with the Nuggets firing Malone. Whereas addressing reporters on Wednesday, he revealed Nuggets possession approached him beforehand, and he accepted their determination. Curiously, he used the time period “we” whereas referencing the individuals who made the decision to terminate the longtime head coach.
If Jokic had opposed the choice, he would have seemingly voiced his displeasure. And he actually would not have spoken so brazenly in regards to the firing if the choice had harm him at any stage.
Jokic has earned the best
Like all all-time nice participant, Jokic has earned the best to affect personnel modifications — if he did play a job in Malone’s firing.
In 1980, Magic Johnson was instrumental within the Los Angeles Lakers dismissing Paul Westhead, one thing the coach revealed in his 2020 memoir. The choice paid dividends, paving the best way for Pat Riley to take cost.
In 2004, Jason Kidd performed a job within the New Jersey Nets axing Byron Scott after he led the franchise to the earlier two NBA Finals. As probably the greatest gamers within the league, he had the stroke to get his manner. Per a number of insiders, including Scott himself, Kidd approached the Nets entrance workplace and sought a change in management.
In 2015, LeBron James was widely blamed for the Cavaliers firing David Blatt. Very similar to the Lakers’ firing of Westhead in 1980, this determination paid off with Ty Lue’s ascension as head coach, resulting in an NBA title.
Final yr, Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly performed a job within the Bucks dismissing Adrian Griffin.
There have been numerous different cases of stars having their manner. Stars are one factor, however Jokic is on a tier above. An all-time great, he has singlehandedly made the Nuggets related for the final decade. After 10 years of being a mannequin citizen, Jokic deserves the good thing about the doubt for getting a coach fired. He will not be the final to do it, both.
