After years of wrestle, the Denver Nuggets lastly reached the top of basketball, successful their first NBA championship in 2023 underneath the management of Nikola Jokić.
With two consecutive MVP titles and a roster in its prime, Denver entered the 2023-24 season because the favorites to win all of it once more. Nonetheless, issues didn’t go as deliberate.
The Nuggets misplaced the No. 1 seed to the San Antonio Spurs and, regardless of demolishing the Los Angeles Lakers within the first spherical of the playoffs, they have been eradicated by the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves in a grueling seven-game sequence. With their title protection over, Denver’s offseason grew to become the following space of concern, and the scenario has solely worsened.
The newest studies point out a troubling rift between head coach Michael Malone and the Nuggets’ entrance workplace. In response to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the 2 events “aren’t precisely seeing eye to eye… to a level even uncommon for the NBA.” For Nuggets followers, that is alarming information. Malone, identified for his fiery character, has change into a beloved determine in Denver. His outspoken nature has made him a fan favourite, whether or not he’s taking pictures at LeBron James or declaring Denver’s potential for a repeat championship.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets Updates
Nonetheless, this discord might have extreme penalties. Malone’s observe document speaks for itself, and may he depart, many groups would line as much as rent him instantly. For a Denver squad that simply hoisted its first Larry O’Brien trophy, shedding Malone may very well be devastating.
One potential supply of the battle between Malone and the entrance workplace may very well be the group’s lack of spending. Traditionally, the Denver possession group has been hesitant to splurge on participant salaries, and it’s beginning to present.
Since successful the championship, the Nuggets have misplaced key contributors like Bruce Brown, Jeff Inexperienced, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free company with out making satisfactory replacements.
This summer season, Denver introduced in Russell Westbrook to fill a backup level guard position. Nonetheless, Westbrook’s inconsistent capturing and questionable match with Jokić and Jamal Murray have raised doubts about his potential to contribute.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets Updates
For Malone, who watched his wing depth vanish over two seasons, the frustration is comprehensible. The group’s reluctance to spend on high quality replacements could also be a key issue within the rising pressure throughout the group. Because the Nuggets put together for the upcoming season, the uncertainty surrounding their teaching scenario and roster depth looms giant.
Whereas Jokić and Murray stay on the heart of the group’s success, it stays to be seen whether or not Malone will stick round to guide them—or whether or not Denver will quickly discover itself with out the coach who helped convey the franchise its solely NBA championship.
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