ESPN Star Calls Out Denver Nuggets Coach Michael Malone

Kendrick Perkins sent out a post about Michael Malone.

Nov 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone speaks to media prior to a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA over the last five years.

After finally winning a title (2023), they are coming off a season where they lost in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

So far this season, the team has looked vulnerable, but Nikola Jokic has been the best player in the NBA (which has kept them in contention).

Dec 3, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

During Tuesday's game against the Golden State Warriors, ESPN star (and former NBA Champion) Kendrick Perkins sent out a post about head coach Michael Malone.

Perkins wrote: "Mike Malone for 7 years have been getting destroyed in NoN Jokic minutes. At what point in time do we ask can he create a system or rotation that doesn’t get obliterated when Jokic doesn’t play? It used to be injuries but ITS NEVER CHANGED. Aaron Gordon, Westbrook, MPJ, Murray and it’s a 10-0 run by GSW."

Mike Malone for 7 years have been getting destroyed in NoN Jokic minutes. At what point in time do we ask can he create a system or rotation that doesn’t get obliterated when Jokic doesn’t play? It used to be injuries but ITS NEVER CHANGED. Aaron Gordon, Westbrook, MPJ, Murray…

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 4, 2024

While Perkins makes a good point, Malone is not the one drafting, signing and trading for players.

As a coach, he has been good, but there is definitely more that can be done for other players on the roster to step up without Jokic on the floor.

Nov 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts after a calling a timeout in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

With their 119-115 victory over Golden State, the Nuggets improved to 11-8 in their first 19 games.

Via Basketball Forever on November 19: "With Nikola Jokić off the floor, the Denver Nuggets' offensive rating is 86.3 - the worst in NBA history.

With Jokić on the floor, their offensive rating is 125.8 - the best in NBA history."

With Nikola Jokić off the floor, the Denver Nuggets' offensive rating is 86.3 - the worst in NBA history.

With Jokić on the floor, their offensive rating is 125.8 - the best in NBA history.

CRAZY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zG0nloDiU4

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) November 19, 2024