Ty Lawson Wished Well by Denver Nuggets Coach Mike Malone
To put it lightly, Ty Lawson’s time with the Denver Nuggets didn’t end as planned. Lawson had a host of off court issues throughout his career, and the Nuggets decided to move him following a third drinking related arrest. This decision was obviously made easier by Emmanuel Mudiay falling to Denver in the draft.
Emmanuel Mudiay (China) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number seven overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Despite this unceremonious departure, Nuggets coach Mike Malone wishes Ty Lawson well, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post.
"“We wish Ty well. I mean that sincerely. That’s not just coach talk,” Malone said. “We all wish him well. But it was a move that we felt was a good move for us. I hope he’s able to get his life in order, and when he does, we all know he’s a special player.”"
Moving Lawson seems like a win-win situation for all involved. Ty desperately needed a change of scenery, the Rockets wanted to improve at point guard, while the Nuggets created space for their rising star to take control of the team. Mudiay still has the guidance of a veteran in Jameer Nelson, but can learn on the job at the same time.
Lawson is genuinely an offensive dynamo in the NBA. However, he’s never suited being a number one option type of guy. In Houston, with James Harden the center of attention, Lawson should have an abundance of open looks and driving lanes to the hoop.