Monday, Josh Kroenke spoke to evoke the surprise dismissal of Mike Malone and Calvin Booth, respectively coach and GM of the Nuggets. Three days before the end of the regular season, the co-owner of the Denver franchise supported the red button, and he explained that he had planned to do so in February. At the time, the Nuggets were on a series of eight row wins …
“What would be crazy: what I did last week or do it after a series of eight victories?” »» asked Kroenke During this press point. “I think these eight games have masked a trend that was taking shape behind the scenes and which, in the end, really started to have an impact on the end of our season. »»
The eight of a row victories were above all the consequence of a very favorable calendar, and Kroenke reveals that he had even considered changes at the end of November after the very average start of the Nuggets. “I really felt that things were not going in the right direction” he continues, before justifying himself on this choice by “Hope to restore energy to the group and restore a positive state of mind before the playoffs. I think we have succeeded in the last three games … But there is still a long way to go. »»
Jokic kept informed?
By the way, he spoke of Nikola Jokic, who could be tempted to see elsewhere after the departure of Malone. “When you have a player like him, especially at the top of his career, you have a responsibility. But I feel an even greater responsibility towards the person … I would be the most silly guy in basketball if I did not ask him for his opinion on certain things. But it is my responsibility to make decisions for the good of the franchise, and I think Jokic understands and respects it. »»
Finally, Josh Kroenke held to “Thank both Calvin and Coach Malone”. “To be honest, neither of them deserved it, so I apologize. »»
