As playoff positioning solidifies and most groups concentrate on postseason preparation, the Denver Nuggets group made the gorgeous resolution to overtake their management—regardless of sitting fourth within the aggressive Western Convention with a decent 47-32 file.
Behind this sudden transfer, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins sees greater than meets the attention.
He believes the invisible hand of Denver’s franchise cornerstone could have guided this seismic shift within the group’s route.
“This firing doesn’t occur with out the okay from Nikola Jokic,” Perkins said on NBA As we speak.
Do star gamers have a say in teaching choices? 🤔
“[Michael Malone’s] firing doesn’t occur with out the okay from Nikola Jokic.”—@KendrickPerkins 😯 pic.twitter.com/I0RBF5sj0P
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 8, 2025
The timing makes the choice significantly puzzling—parting methods with each head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Sales space with simply three regular-season video games remaining.
Whereas many observers expressed shock, Perkins considered this growth as considerably inevitable.
He pointed to the staff’s inconsistent effort all through the season because the clearest indication that Malone had misplaced grip on the locker room.
All through this marketing campaign, indicators of disconnect grew to become more and more obvious.
Denver’s defensive inconsistencies stood in stark distinction to their championship kind final season, and Nikola Jokic’s seen frustration throughout video games didn’t go unnoticed by league observers.
For Perkins, these indicators instructed hassle brewing beneath the floor of the defending champions.
The Denver Nuggets now face the quick problem of regrouping underneath interim management whereas attempting to snap their present four-game skid.
They’ll have their first alternative to proper the ship once they face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night time, with playoff positioning and staff chemistry hanging within the stability.
NEXT: Stats Present How Nikola Jokic Has Dominated This Season