Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks Takeaways
Oct 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Juancho Hernangomez (41) defends Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 101-75. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
After last night’s pathetic performance, the Denver Nuggets need drastic changes sooner rather than later.
After an embarrassing performance last night, it is safe to say changes need to happen now for the Denver Nuggets.
After a 112-92 loss, there is no need to waste time divulging into unnecessary and redundant details from the loss. First there was the loss to Brooklyn, now there is last night’s terrible loss to Dallas which is no surprise as to why the fan-base is getting restless.
The fact is, there is only one major takeaway from last night’s catastrophe.
Sure, we can point to Gallinari and Barton’ poor shot selection, or Mudiay’s constant struggles, but the blame lies with the person who didn’t play Kenneth Faried until the game was out of reach.
Want your voice heard? Join the Nugg Love team!
Of course, I am referring to Coach Michael Malone.
Nov 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone talks with guard Jameer Nelson (1) during the game against the Utah Jazz at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Coach Malone has had plenty of time given to him and one has to wonder, what gives?
This pains me to say it, but the Denver Nuggets need to cut ties with Malone. Malone is a great guy, but he has proven to not be a good NBA coach so far.
nuggets
Nugg Love 1 dDenver Nuggets: What It Means To Win in the Mile High
More headlines around FanSided:
6w - Denver Nuggets: DFS Picks for the Season Opener against the Pelicans9w - Denver Nuggets Fantasy: Implications From Preseason Opener10w - Emmanuel Mudiay: Analyzing the Art of Passing13w - Denver Nuggets: Will Malik Beasley Sadly Only Get Insurance Minutes?13w - Top 5 Denver Nuggets with Any Fantasy Basketball ValueMore News at Nugg Love
At this point in his Denver tenure, Malone has a worse winning percentage than former Nuggets coach Brian Shaw during his second year (sorry for the nightmarish flashbacks Nuggets Nation). This is also showing that his short time in Sacramento was not a fluke.
For some reason, Malone seems to be tolerating poor shot selection, particularly from Gallinari, Barton, and Mudiay. Just because a player is a veteran does not give them the green light to take nights off and shoot whenever they feel like it during a game. Every great coach knows to reign their veteran players in when needed, but Malone is not doing this.
This is a sign of a coach who is not ready to coach at the NBA level. The players seem to play with little to no energy, which stems from the one in command, the coach.
Let’s not even get started on the questionable rotations, especially lineups that make no absolutely sense during late game situations.
I know I recently stated that Malone has mixed feelings circling about him within the fan base, but after last night’s game, Denver needs to move on from him.
Apr 20, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson speaks to the media before game one of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The big challenge for Denver if they were to fire Malone would be finding his replacement in the midst of the season.
Available coaches are slim pickings right now, but the Nuggets have to get rid of Michael Malone in order to save a sinking ship.
Of course, the most popular coach that is available out there is Mark Jackson. Whether he would be interested in Denver or not remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t hurt Denver to try to pursue him.
George Karl is also out of work, but that ship has long sailed.
There are also lesser known coaches out there right now that may be able to benefit the Denver Nuggets.
Nevertheless, the Nuggets need to start considering other coach alternatives due to the fact they have lost to two of the worst teams in the league in the last week and a half.
More from Nugg Love