Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone made headlines during the 2024-25 season.
First, Michael Malone was fired right before the end of the regular season as the Denver Nuggets named David Adelman as his replacement.
Malone was understandably frustrated by the Nuggets’ decision. However, Malone lost the support of the Nuggets fanbase during the playoffs.
How? Well, Malone picked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his NBA MVP pick over Nikola Jokic.
Why Michael Malone picked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Nikola Jokic
At the time, the Oklahoma City Thunder were facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. With Malone sacked by the Nuggets, he became a part-time media analyst.
Recalling his surprising pick, Malone revealed he was simply ‘immersed’ in the WCF, leading to his decision to pick SGA as the MVP.
“I was so immersed in the Western Conference Finals, and it was kind of my first welcome to the media moment. Everything you say and how scrutinized it is.
“I’m so ingrained into this OKC-Minnesota Western Conference Finals, and I made a comment about SGA and why he’s going to be the MVP,” Malone said, via SiriusXM NBA Radio.
Malone then revealed the conversation he had with his wife after making the controversial pick.
“I called my wife after the game. She said, ‘Oh my gosh, people are up in arms back in Denver.’ The reason I said what I said because it was already leaked that Shai was going to win the MVP.
“I think he was announced MVP the next day or the day after. So I was just stating what everybody else already knew,” Malone added.
Michael Malone says he would have voted for Nikola Jokic
Following a massive backlash from Nuggets fans, Malone clarified his statement. He claimed he would have voted for Jokic if he had a vote.
Fast forward to now, and Malone reiterated the same point during his interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“I still would have voted for Nikola Jokic. People felt since I got fired, I changed my loyalty. This has nothing to do with loyalty. I love Nikola. I loved my 10 years in Denver.
“You look at what Nikola did. 30 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and almost 2 steals per game,” Malone continued.
However, to conclude, Malone gave Shai his flowers for a terrific 2024-25 NBA season.
“But you have to give Shai credit. The season they had. They dominated the NBA. They dominated the regular season,” Malone pointed out.
To be fair, the timing of Malone’s statement made it seem like he was taking out his anger over getting fired, but he has now cleared the air.
