Denver Nuggets hire Michael Malone as head coach

The Denver Nuggets introduced former Sacramento Kings head coach Michael Malone at a press conference on Tuesday.

The Denver Nuggets introduced former Sacramento Kings head coach Michael Malone at a press conference on Tuesday.

The Nuggets fired former head coach Brian Shaw in March after he posted a 56–85 record over one and a half seasons with the team. Melvin Hunt took over for Shaw as the Nuggets’ interim coach. 

Denver finished the 2014–15 season 30–52 and missed the playoffs for the second straight season.

Malone led the Kings to a 28–54 record in the 2013–14 season, but looked to be turning things around in the California capital this past fall. 

Sacramento was off to an 11–13 start in the 2014–15 season despite the absence of All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, but Malone was fired from the team in December. 

"The opportunity I had in Sacramento was great and I learned a lot in my time there, but now, this is a new opportunity for me and my family," Malone said. 

"I have coached 106 games as an NBA head coach. Don't paint me. Don't put me in a hole by saying this is who you are," Malone said in anticipation of questions from media members he assumed would acknowledge his tendency to embrace a slower pace of play.

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Before joining the Kings, Malone was an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2013, the New Orleans Hornets from 2010 to 2011, the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2010 and the New York Knicks from 2001 to 2005.

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- Mike Fiammetta