Nuggets Coach Clarifies Reason For Controversial White House Decision

Michael Malone opened up about skipping the White House.

The NBA world was shocked when they heard that the Denver Nuggets would be skipping visiting the White House this season. Initially, it was reported by Chris Haynes that it was due to prioritizing getting the first seed, but Nuggets head coach Michael Malone says that's wrong.

Sources: With Denver Nuggets prioritizing No. 1 seed and a pivotal matchup at Minnesota upcoming, I explain on @NBAonTNT why the champs have elected not to visit The White House. pic.twitter.com/cjc4fwGE0O

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 8, 2024

After the Nuggets defeated the Toronto Raptors tonight, Michael Malone gave some clarification as to why the Nuggets aren't going to the White House.

 “Contrary to recent reports, our whole goal is not being the No. 1 seed," Malone said. "It’s not why we canceled the trip to the White House. I don’t know where these things come from. If we get the 1-seed, great."

Michael Malone: “Contrary to recent reports, our whole goal is not being the No. 1 seed. It’s not why we cancelled the trip to the White House. I don’t know where these things come from. If we get the 1-seed, great.”

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) March 11, 2024

According to Wind, the main reason for the cancelation is because their scheduled date of March 18 is an off day between two road games. The road games are in Dallas on the 17 and Minnesota on the 19. The Nuggets would then need to be forcing themselves into a trip all the way to Washington DC on their only off day on the 18, then flying back to Minnesota. From that perspective, it makes a ton of sense why the team would cancel a trip to the White House, but it still sets a very bad precedent for the league.

It's worth remembering that the Denver Nuggets, however, aren't the only NBA Champions that would be canceling their White House visit.

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