The former NBA Six Man of the Year doubts the role of Nikola Jokic, who was fired before the Michael Malone playoffs.
Just two years after leading the Denver Nuggets to the first-ever NBA championship, ownership decided to fire manager Michael Malone.
What’s even more surprising is the fact that the Nuggets suddenly x 10-year head coach and didn’t even wait for the season to be included.
With that in mind, many doubt the role of Nikola Jokic in the firing of Malone and GM Calvin Booth. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson shares the same sentiment.
Johnson saw Shams Charania’s report on Malone’s shooting and insisted there was no way Jokic wasn’t in the loop.
Johnson then compared the way people like LeBron James and Kevin Durant were treated by the media if the head coach was fired before the postseason. He asked Joker for the same treatment.
“This never happens without OK from Jokic. Isn’t that what they said about LBJ and KD? I’m waiting for certain media members who know they’ll bring the same energy.”
So far, the Nuggets ownership groups have been fully accountable for their decisions and their unfortunate timing.
Nevertheless, the news has shocked even NBA legends like Magic Johnson. The 5x NBA champion said he has never seen anything like this.
Despite fighting top six species in the West, the nuggets were barely good on the defensive edge of the floor.
Ranking 20th in the defensive rating of the season was an important reason behind Jokic’s misfortune. In fact, according to the report, Jokic was unhappy with how the team was playing defense under Malone.
It subtly suggests Jokic’s involvement with a team approaching the postseason with a fresh slate.
It will be interesting to see how the Jokic Plays playoffs in playoff time as he is one of the best seasons in NBA history, averaging 30.0 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game.