Denver’s interim coach says team can still do ‘something special’

After a day and a half of pure chaos across the Nuggets camp, interim coach David Adelman took on the media for the primary time since Michael Malone’s discharge to speak about how his squad can nonetheless ship this season and who is aware of, possibly even contend for the NBA title. 

“We’re within the combine right here, and I feel individuals neglect that,” Adelman instructed the press earlier than first recreation at Denver‘s helm. “[Pundits] maintain considering that we didn’t make the playoffs or no matter. We nonetheless have an excellent likelihood to do one thing particular. We talked about that. The fellows appeared satisfied.”

The great factor is, Nikola Jokic continues to do what he does greatest, as he posted his thirty third triple-double of the marketing campaign with 20 factors, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. The Serbian lead his Nuggets to snap a four-game shedding streak with a 124-116 win in Sacramento.

Then three-time MVP additionally addressed the media for the primary time because the Colorado group fired coach Malone and parted methods with basic supervisor Calvin Sales space. “I knew somewhat bit earlier than all people,” Jokic mentioned postgame. “And he instructed me, ‘We decided.’ So it was not a dialogue. It was a choice.”

The Serbian revealed there was nothing to do be: “He instructed me why. And so I listened. And I accepted it. I’m not going to inform you what he instructed me. I’m going to maintain that personal.” Sources imagine that possession made these selections hoping that Nikola can flip issues round and produce a deep postseason run.

Malone had been on the Nuggets’ helm for nearly ten years, and led the franchise to their first-ever title in 2023. The previous tactician at present maintain the report for many wins in Denver historical past with 471 in complete. “This choice was not made flippantly and was evaluated very fastidiously,” mentioned the vice chairman of Kroenke Sports activities and Leisure.