Denver Nuggets star Nicola Zhokic is claimed to be a changing player since Michael Malone’s shooting.
The Denver Nuggets are in unknown territory following the decision to fire Director Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth.
The fire came at a critical moment in the season, with only three games remaining before the NBA playoffs.
The teams were able to rally, secured the fourth seed in the Western Conference by winning three end games of the season, and are currently tied 1-1 in the series with the LA Clippers.
Denver Nuggets veteran DeAndre Jordan provided insight into how the team’s superstar responded to Michael Malone’s firing.
Jordan details how Nikola Djokic understands the seriousness of the situation, and the team’s season will be on the “winning or going home” stage.
He says he saw Nikola Djokic step up as leader, trying to help his team in a new way he had never seen before.
Jordan told Run It Back:
“He’s always doing it, but he’s done it more. I think he knows it’s a big deal.”
Deandre Jordan admits that the language barrier sometimes poses several challenges, but he and the team love Jokic’s special enthusiasm.
“It’s funny to see him get excited at times he stumbles over his words, he throws the Serbs there, and we’re like, “We didn’t understand it, go back,” and he says it.
“In Jokic’s case, he came out as a leader. He got others involved and encouraged the guys and did more.”
Interim coach David Adelman’s style is more collective than Michael Malone’s authoritative approach, with Nikola Zhokic increasing the range of leads from within.
It’s also important for Nuggets to make Nikola Jokic feel that this is his team.
The Nuggets have decided to make an offseason decision, and it is unclear whether Jokic has the voice, but his leadership is essential to his chances of success this offseason.
While production on the court for MVP candidates has been fantastic this season, they now have an intensive opportunity to try and raise some of their teammates to the norm.