Denver Nuggets Interim coach David Adelman stressed the importance of unity and maintaining focus on the playoffs during his initial gathering with the team members since taking over. Mike Malone was let go the previous day. .
Adelman spoke to the team Wednesday before their game in Sacramento against the Kings and reminded the Nuggets that they’re still part of the competition crowded playoff race in the Western Conference .
"The last 30 hours have been pretty crazy, pretty stressful for everybody," said Adelman, who was Malone’s top assistant. "But the bottom line was we have to stay unified. I think it was a good thing for everyone to sit in a room together and realize that we have not played to our expectation as of late. That’s not just the players (but) everybody that’s a part of this."
Following two seasons post leading the Nuggets to their sole best performance, NBA The championship saw Malone being let go on Tuesday as the Nuggets attempt to recover from their downward spiral, which caused Denver to plummet from second place in the Western Conference down to sharing fourth with four other teams before their match against the Kings on Wednesday.
Should the Nuggets triumph in their last three regular-season matches, they might rise as far as the third spot in the Western Conference.
“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.”
Besides 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 and conveyed a straightforward message.
In short: Improve yourself,” Adelman stated when questioned about Kroenke’s message.
Even with the end-of-season turmoil, Adelman mentioned that the Nuggets don't have ample opportunity to dwell on the newest controversy.
“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.”
To reach an improved standard for competing in that tournament. The Western region is insane. If you enter that competition without performing at your peak, you'll be eliminated swiftly.
Adelman admitted having conversations with Malone following the termination, yet chose not to elaborate further. He instead used this chance to commend the person he has collaborated with over eight years.
“What he has done for this team makes him arguably the best coach in history,” Adelson stated. “In terms of win percentages, championships reached, particularly Final titles, along with the experience he provided which enabled my own growth as a coach, cannot be disputed.”
What we have going on right now, whether you call it the national narrative or something else, I see it as an incredible streak. He isn’t finished yet. It’s an honor to be working for him and an honor to hold this position and do my absolute best.
Reporting courtesy of The Associated Press.
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