SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In his initial gathering with the team following Mike Malone’s dismissal, Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman stressed the importance of unity and maintaining focus on securing a playoff spot.
Before their matchup with the Kings in Sacramento on Wednesday, Adelman addressed the team and stressed to the Nuggets that they remain part of the tightly contested playoff scramble in the West.
The past 30 hours have been quite chaotic and highly stressful for all involved," stated Adelman, who served as Malone’s lead assistant. "However, the key point remains that we must remain united. It was beneficial for everyone to gather in one space and acknowledge that our recent performance has fallen short of expectations. This realization applies not only to the players but also to every individual associated with us.
Following two seasons where he led the Nuggets to their sole NBA championship, Malone was let go on Tuesday as the team aims to recover from a slump that caused Denver's standing to fall from second place in the Western Conference down to sharing fourth with four other teams before their matchup with Sacramento on Wednesday.
Should the Nuggets triumph in their last three regular-season matches, they might rise as high as the third position in the Western Conference standings.
We’re right in the middle of things here," Adelman stated. "I believe folks often overlook this fact. We still possess an excellent opportunity to achieve something remarkable. This has been discussed, and the team seems very confident. Therefore, I anticipate a strong performance from them tonight.
Along with dismissing Malone, the Nuggets notified general manager Calvin Booth that his contract would not be renewed.
The Nuggets' president and Governor Josh Kroenke also addressed the players, conveying a straightforward message.
“ succinctly put: Improve,” Adelman stated when questioned about Kroenke’s message.
Even though there’s late-season turmoil, Adelman mentioned that the Nuggets don’t have ample opportunity to dwell on the newest drama.
It’s just another NBA moment, you have to handle it," Adelman stated. "We’ll strive to make the most of this situation and turn things around.
“We need to elevate our game to compete in that tournament. The Western competition is insane. If you enter that tournament without giving your best performance, you won’t last long.”
Adelman admitted to having conversations with Malone following the dismissal but chose not to elaborate further. He used this moment instead to commend the individual he has collaborated with over eight years.
What he has done for this team makes him the best coach ever; you can't dispute that," Adelman stated. "In terms of win percentages, championships reached, and the invaluable experience he provided which allowed me to develop as a coach.
What we're experiencing right now, whether you call it the national narrative or something else, I see it as an incredible journey. He isn’t finished yet. It’s an honor to serve under him and an honor to assume this position with the aim to perform at my highest capacity.
___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
