Denver Nuggets: The quote:
December 22, 2017 in Portland, Oregon…an incredible event transpired. For the Denver Nuggets’ big man, Nikola Jokic, it was rarer than a triple double.
Denver Nuggets
He drove the lane…and dunked.
Coach Michael Malone’s reaction to the slam?
Pure. Shock.
“You should stop the game when that happens.” Malone said in the post game interview. “If it’s a home game, everybody should get a free hot dog.” (Denver Post).
What this says about Jokic:
Nikola Jokic is many things. Denver’s stud is funny, down-to-earth and family-oriented.
He is a superb passer (6.1 assists per game), effective on the boards (10.7 rebounds per game) and a smooth shooter (39.6 3P%). ESPN
He is also the proud owner of Serbian racehorses…and a wrong-footed floater shot that is awkward and beautiful.
The Joker notched 10 triple-doubles last year. And just eight dunks. (Basketball Reference).
He is not athletic.
Jameer Nelson stated it bluntly: (Clutchpoints) “I’m old and fat and I can jump higher than Jokic,” he said.
One thing NBA defenders needn’t worry about? Jokic posterizing them.
No worries, Nikola. Denver fans prefer triple-doubles over jams. Dunks…layups…either is worth two points.
It still makes for fun commentary, though.
What this says about Malone:
Widely-regarded as a pleasant personality, it’s easy to see why people like Mike Malone. He is supportive, trustworthy and fun.
And quite hilarious when he wants to be.
Malone constantly shows he isn’t afraid to have fun. He also demonstrates support for his players – e.g. visiting Nikola Jokic in Serbia and attending horse races (Bleacher Report).
Few NBA coaches would have nailed the hot dog quote in Malone-fashion. Chances are he and Jokic shared another laugh in private.
Players like and trust him. Think this isn’t important?
Recently, former MVP-candidate Isaiah Thomas signed with Denver for the veteran minimum. In need of career rejuvenation, he chose Malone and Denver.
“(Malone) was a guy that trusted me from the jump,” Thomas said per The Denver Post. “He believed in me, and when he was able to coach me he allowed me to play through mistakes.”
Another guy who likes Mike Malone? DeMarcus Cousins. Boogie was “happy” to see Denver sign a “great man” as head coach in 2015. (CBS Sports)
Is this the same DeMarcus Cousins famous for coach-killing? The dude who unnerved the big, bad George Karl? Complimenting Mike Malone?
Stop the game and distribute free hot dogs…