Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé has Vlade Divac and confusion.
The Nuggets have Sacramento’s discards – former general manager Pete D’Alessandro and former coach Michael Malone.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
The Denver Nuggets have reached an agreement to hire Michael Malone as coach, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2015
I think Denver came out ahead.
Malone did a good job building Sacramento’s defense, but he neither put it in place quickly nor build a foundation that stood once the Kings (ridiculously) fired him. Considering where they came from, I don’t blame Malone for either. Malone had the Kings defending well for a decent stretch. That’s a victory in my eyes.
He isn’t a perfect fit with Denver’s roster, but it’s malleable – and Malone might be, too. We’ve seen him coach for only a little more than one season.
Malone would be well-served to embrace the Nuggets’ home-court advantage and try to run. The Warriors have proven you can do that while still defending.
There will likely be an adjustment period for both sides, but this a nice, solid hire.
