Mike Malone dispels talk of rift with Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic
Former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone caught much attention after he made some strong praise toward Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It raised plenty of questions concerning Malone’s loyalty and ties to his former star center, Nikola Jokic, who was circled as one of the top candidates to earn this season’s MVP award.
Malone quickly cleared the air by stating that Jokic was his choice to earn the prestigious honor.
“I did vote for him again this year, if I had a vote,” Malone, appearing as a guest analyst on ESPN before Game 2 between the Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves, said of Jokic via ESPN. “Want to make sure the people in Denver know that because, right now, I’m getting a lot of heat back home.”
Malone’s remarks garnered increased scrutiny given his departure from the Nuggets days before the end of the regular season. He drew attention last Tuesday night after he voiced Gilgeous-Alexander “showed why he’s the MVP” following his 31-point outing in the Thunder’s blowout win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Malone’s comments were perceived as a shot toward Jokic, but he has now cleared that matter.
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Throughout his tenure, he spoke highly of him and staunchly backed him, together with the three-time league MVP.
Regardless of Malone’s remarks, Gilgeous-Alexander outright earned the votes to receive the award over Jokic. It’s no subtle shot at him or his relationship with the Nuggets, but rather outlining the outstanding year that the Thunder star guard put together.
