In the end, the logic was respected since the Thunder, number 1 of the regular season, dominated the Nuggets in the conference semi-final. While OKC will immediately turn to the Wolves, with a first match on Tuesday evening, Denver will manage his first big file of the offseason with the maintenance or not of David Adelman.
Appointed in place of Mike Malone three days before the end of the regular season, Adelman has the label of “temporary coach” and he does not know if he will be extended. In any case, he kicked in touch when it was questioned on the subject.
“It's not time for me to think about it,” he replied. “We just lost a game 7. Our season is over. The leaders will make the decision. Obviously, I was lucky to be able to lead this team. […] If I'm not back next year, I will never forget this experience. It was incredible. And the fact that the players joined my project was very special for me. »»
The players joined the project
On the players' side, there is unanimity: it must stay! “I love Da,” For example launched Aaron Gordon. “I hope he will still be there next year. I hope it will be our coach. I hope he will be entitled to a real training camp and a complete off -season. I knew him in Orlando. I have it here, and it's a great coach. He was excellent with us. »»
Same reaction at Michael Porter JR: “I hope he will get this position. I find it a great coach, very human. »»
And of course, Nikola Jokic's opinion is important. At the time of Mike Malone's surprise dismissal, some imagined a future departure from the Serb. But the MVP 2023 is also a big fan of Adelman, even if he recalled that he “Was not paid” To decide this choice.
“It was a complicated situation,” underlines Jokic. “He had three games to change something, and I think he changed the energy. The guys woke up a little. He made us believe in something, and we played well, right? We played a series of seven games against what is probably the best NBA team, and we had opportunities. So I think he did a good job. »»
