Michael Malone found success with the Denver Nuggets as the team's head coach from 2015 until the end of the 2024-25 season. Malone led Denver to a championship in 2022-23 and also coached the NBA's best player in Nikola Jokic. However, the Nuggets shocked the NBA world by letting Malone go toward the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Malone revealed he still has a "bad taste" in his mouth following his exit from the Nuggets in addition to commenting on his future in coaching.
"In my heart... I'm a coach," Malone said. "I'm the son of a coach. It's definitely something I'd love to get back in. I still have a bad taste in my mouth with how things ended in Denver, and I'd love to go out on my own terms."
Malone clearly has interest in returning. However, the former Nuggets leader admitted that it would have to be the right fit in order for him to return to the sidelines.
"With that being said, what I've learned over my many years in this league is how important it is to go to work everyday with people you care about, you trust, you respect and that are all pulling in the same direction. So, when I have a chance to go back into the NBA, I just want to make sure I'm working with a group of people that are like minded and share a common vision and are willing to do whatever it takes to make that vision become a reality. And if that situation pops up, I would love to get back on that sideline."
Malone does not seem interested in accepting just any opportunity that comes his way. He wants to join a team that features people with a similar vision. Of course, Malone spent many years in Denver and he surely has a certain strategy for approaching the game. Making the adjustment to a new team and opportunity would not be a simple task.
Malone has most recently been seen on television as an analyst. Covering the NBA on TV certainly is not a bad backup plan. He may continue to work in that role until he finds a quality coaching opportunity. Either way, Malone will have a chance to stay around the NBA, regardless of whether it is from a broadcast booth or the sidelines.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets will move forward without Malone. The team is ready for a new chapter. Denver wants to compete for a championship once again as soon as possible. With Jokic on the roster, the Nuggets could make serious noise in the NBA standings.