Michael Malone says Nikola Jokic is the best player in the NBA

Author: Monojit Mandal

Michael Malone, coach of the Denver Nuggets, crowned Nikola Jokic the best player in the NBA after his excellent performance in the finals, which earned him the coveted title of MVP of the finals. Jokic’s extraordinary performance against the Miami Heat, averaging 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, was key to the Nuggets winning their first championship.

Jokic’s performance in the post-season has been spectacular, elevating him to the ranks of the league’s all-time greats. During the team’s celebration on Monday night, Malone praised the two-time MVP, recognizing his major contributions to the Nuggets’ victory. “Nikola Jokic has been arguably the best player,” Malone said on NBA on TNT, “but the lack of playoff success in 2021 and 2022 has caused critics to question his status.” However, with a title on his CV, there’s not much to discuss.“

During the playoffs, Jokic continually showed off his skills, becoming the Nuggets’ best player. His influence on practically every game was clear, and he was fundamental to the team’s success. Jokic, nicknamed the “Joker”, finished the post-season as the first player in history to lead all major statistical categories, with 600 points, 269 rebounds and 190 assists.

Since 2015, Michael Malone has been the head coach of the Denver Nuggets in the National Basketball Association. Before joining the Nuggets, Malone was the head coach of the Sacramento Kings in the 2013-2014 season. He has worked as an assistant coach for famous teams such as the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets and Golden State Warriors.

Malone was born in Astoria, Queens, New York, and studied at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts. He honed his basketball skills at Saint Joseph’s University, where he was twice chosen for the All-Atlantic 10 Conference. After his university career, Malone pursued a professional basketball career, spending many years in Europe.

Malone began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Saint Joseph’s in 1997. He later held similar positions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Utah before joining the NBA as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks in 2001.