Former NBA Champion Calls Out Nuggets Coach Over Controversial Statement

NBA champion Richard Jefferson didn't appreciate Michael Malone's comments

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

This week, Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone called out not just his players, but the entire NBA for becoming soft. It was a statement that many fans agreed with, but also one that many did not - including former NBA champion Richard Jefferson.

Michael Malone: “The league has gotten so soft. Everybody’s afraid to condition and run. Well, we have to.”

Some Nuggets players aren’t in great shape, and Malone made that clear last night. It’s a reason why he played most of his starters the entire 3rd quarter. pic.twitter.com/adKt4JEpM7

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) October 14, 2024

During an episode of NBA Today on ESPN, Jefferson called out Michael Malone for calling the league soft.

"Well over the last 10 years, you've been the head coach of this group," Jefferson said "To me, I'm trying to figure out what coach wants."

Jefferson piled on even more after his co-host Kendrick Perkins tried to defend coach Malone. In Jefferson's eyes, he believes that Malone needs more accountability as a coach.

.@Rjeff24 sounds off on Michael Malone for his comments about the Nuggets being out of shape 👀

"I'm trying to figure out what Coach wants." 😳 pic.twitter.com/cIjgBzpxa7

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 15, 2024

"Now you have a head coach of three out of four MVPs, and a championship two seasons ago, talking about his guys aren't in shape and calling out the entire league - that the league is soft, that guys are afraid to do this," Jefferson said. "Well to me, there has to be some accountability as a coach. If you look at your guys and say they're not in shape, that means oh, we're going to run for these next couple of days because we're not ready."

Regardless of the commentary, the Denver Nuggets have not been a good team this NBA preseason. The team is 0-4 throughout the preseason, with numerous blowouts also occurring. Fortunately for the Nuggets, preseason doesn't necessarily matter, and the regular season is still a week away.

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