Since Michael Malone was fired as head coach of the Denver Nuggets last season, he has yet to resurface in any NBA coaching capacity. While Malone was mentioned as a potential candidate for the New York Knicks’ once vacant head coaching job, nothing really ever materialized there.
During a segment of ‘Inside The NBA’ ahead of Thursday’s slate of games, Malone revealed his true feelings on a potential return to coaching.
“For me, you’re a competitor. I love building something, preparing, being organized, but the most important thing that I miss is being a part of something much bigger than myself,” Malone said. “Being in that locker room with the players, being with the coaching staff, celebrating the big win. I do miss being a part of that team camaraderie, that locker room atmosphere, and I look forward to getting back to that.
“I’m definitely not done coaching,” Malone continued. “Coaching is in my blood, I got that from my father, and I’m excited to get back coaching on those sidelines and teaching once again.”
Should any coaching opportunities become available, either during the season or at its conclusion, it’s likely that Michael Malone will emerge as a legitimate candidate for whatever opening may arise.
Malone famously led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship during the 2022-23 season.
His coaching journey began back in 2001 when he got his first NBA job as an assistant with the New York Knicks. He remained an assistant coach until 2013, with stints at the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Golden State Warriors.
Malone landed his first head coaching role with the Sacramento Kings ahead of the 2013-14 season but was fired midway through his second season there.
The Nuggets then hired Malone as head coach for the 2015-16 season. He spent nine full seasons as Denver’s head coach from 2015 to 2024 before being let go during the 2024-25 season. During his tenure, the team made six playoff appearances in nine years.
With his passion for coaching undiminished and a proven track record of success, Michael Malone remains a noteworthy figure in the NBA coaching landscape, poised for his next opportunity.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-news-michael-malone-feelings-coaching-return-clear
