Labels can be hard to shake.
In his stops as an assistant coach, Michael Malone developed a reputation for being defensive-minded.
So when he was hired as the Denver Nuggets’ coach before the 2015-16 season, some wondered if Malone could adapt to a young roster and play a style that fit, especially in a city where being able to run in the high altitude can provide a greater homecourt advantage.
Well, Malone isn’t stubborn or foolish enough to force a style on a team.
The Nuggets are still a young team, and Malone has them scoring at a high rate as he looks to build for the future while winning games in the present.