Fansided

Power ranking NBA head coaches: 2015-16 season

By John Buhler

Oct 23, 2015; Manchester, NH, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens gestures from the sidelines during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Verizon Wireless Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2015; Manchester, NH, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens gestures from the sidelines during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Verizon Wireless Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Pepsi Center. The Suns won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Pepsi Center. The Suns won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Michael Malone, Denver Nuggets

The hiring of Michael Malone to the Denver Nuggets was an interesting one. Malone seemed to have the dysfunctional Sacramento Kings playing well under his guidance before the Kings’ front office sent him packing early in 2014-15.

If he was able to get the island of misfit toys in Northern California to pay attention to him, imagine what he could do with a club that’s built in a team-first manner. Malone in his first 13 games with the Nuggets went 6-7 and could stick around in the Northwest Division this season, possibly in the playoff mix.

Having a promising young point guard in Emmanuel Mudiay and a distinct altitude advantage seems like Malone could build a high-octane offense in the Mile High City. Defensively the club needs work (107.6 rating, 24th in the NBA) and that may have a lingering effect on the pace with which Denver plays (96.6, 15th in the NBA).

Malone is certainly a better option in Denver than former head coach Brian Shaw or interim Melvin Hunt. He may not get to George Karl or Doug Moe levels with the Nuggets, but with little to no expectations and a clean start with a new team, this could get Michael Malone over the top to build a winning culture once again in Denver with the Nuggets.

Next: 23. Brett Brown

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