PHILADELPHIA — Two familiar names topped Monday’s season leaderboard for triple-doubles — reigning MVP Russell Westbrook (23) and all-timer LeBron James (16).
Right behind them? Philadelphia Rookie of the Year contender Ben Simmons with 10 and Denver big man Nikola Jokic with eight. Those young playmakers are prime examples of “positionless basketball,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said, as Simmons’ 6-foot-10, 230-pound frame reminds Malone of a young LeBron James, while Jokic is a versatile center.
“Gone are the days of having a set point guard,” Malone said. “You put your best players on the floor … coaching is all about identifying your best players and putting those players in position to have success.