Days after the firing of Michael Malone from the Denver Nuggets, more insight is coming out from inside the team and it’s painting a troubled picture of dysfunction and frustration.
A report from The Athletic said that many people, including Nikola Jokic, were upset about Malone and his “fiery ways.”
“The Nuggets’ locker room was a mess, with team and league sources indicating that the franchise’s most important players, including three-time league MVP Nikola Jokić, had grown frustrated and fatigued by Malone’s fiery ways,” the report said, per NBACentral.
Rival teams began to hear that Nikola Jokić’s patience was wearing thin in Denver due to the team’s struggles, per @TheAthletic, @sam_amick and @tjonesonthenba
“The Nuggets’ locker room was a mess, with team and league sources indicating that the franchise’s most important… pic.twitter.com/f55vGkoH6s
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 10, 2025
There is no doubt that Jokic’s frustration played a huge part in Malone’s firing.
When the front office caught wind of Jokic’s feelings, they probably moved quickly to resolve them.
It is one thing to lose a head coach, but losing Jokic would be something else entirely.
He is one of the greatest basketball players of all time and arguably the best star in the league right now.
If he is unhappy and even contemplating leaving the Nuggets, something will have to be done.
Moving forward, the Nuggets will be sure to hire a new head coach who gets along with Jokic and makes him happy.
Nothing is more important than pleasing Jokic and keeping him in Denver as long as possible.
This report is worrisome for Nuggets fans because it proves that Jokic wasn’t happy with the team.
If his frustrations continue after Malone’s departure, could he think about packing his bags and heading to another team?
That would be downright devastating for the Nuggets, and they will fight hard to avoid it.
All eyes will be on the Nuggets for the playoffs and offseason to see how they make amends and keep Jokic pleased.
