Ex-Nuggets Coach Criticizes Michael Malone Over MVP Remarks
Why the Family Feud Between Former Coaches?
Michael Malone stirred controversy during his ESPN appearance for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. In his first national TV gig since his firing in April, Malone offered insightful analysis on the Thunder vs. Timberwolves matchup, but also took a few indirect digs at his former team.
One comment that rubbed Denver fans the wrong way was when Malone praised Oklahoma City’s atmosphere, calling Thunder fans the “best in the NBA.” While likely meant as a compliment, many interpreted it as a slight against Nuggets supporters.
He sparked further backlash after the game by praising Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, saying, “he showed why he’s the MVP.” Although the statement could be seen as harmless, the context makes it hard to ignore — Nikola Jokic, Malone’s former star player, was SGA’s top competition for the award and had been under Malone’s guidance for a decade.
George Karl Fires Back
While Malone’s remarks appeared to distance him from the Nuggets, another former Denver coach went in the opposite direction. George Karl, who led the team from 2005–2013 during a successful stretch, weighed in on social media.
Karl, known for his outspoken opinions — including some pointed ones in his memoir — tweeted:
“Jokic was the MVP again this season and it wasn’t that close. But I guess I’m the only former Nuggets coach who knows that.”
This was widely seen as a direct jab at Malone, made shortly after the NBA officially named Gilgeous-Alexander the MVP. Karl has had a rocky post-coaching relationship with the franchise, but this tweet likely earned him points with the Denver faithful.
Don’t Paint Malone as the Villain
Despite Karl’s apparent shot and the fan backlash, it’s important to view Malone’s situation in full. He was the most accomplished coach in Nuggets history and led the team through a decade of sustained success. His firing, just a week before the regular season ended, felt abrupt and unfair.
It’s understandable if Malone still feels hurt or betrayed. His comments were professional and supportive of a deserving OKC team, and not overtly disrespectful to Denver. While emotions are still running high, his actions don’t warrant vilification.
In time, wounds will heal. Malone and the Nuggets will move on, and eventually, he’ll return to Denver to be celebrated for what he accomplished. The current tension won’t last forever — just maybe not this year.
