Report: Nikola Jokic frustrated with Nuggets’ defensive commitment and performance

According to NBA insiders Tony Jones, Sam Amick and Zach Powell of The Athletic, Nikola Jokic is frustrated with the Denver Nuggets‘ defensive commitment and performance.

The Nuggets, who fired GM Calvin Booth and head coach Michael Malone on Tuesday, are 25th in the NBA in points per game allowed and 22nd in defensive rating this season. 

“But league sources said there had been significant frustration within the locker room at how the Nuggets were playing, particularly defensively,” Jones, Amick and Powell wrote. “The Nuggets were just 20th in defensive rating. Jokic has been frustrated with the team’s defensive commitment and performance this season. That frustration started to become apparent on the floor.

“In Malone’s final two weeks in charge, the Nuggets lost important games to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors. But they also lost winnable games, particularly to the San Antonio Spurs at home. While Denver is fourth in the West, just a half-game separates it from eighth — meaning the Nuggets could fall into the Play-In Tournament with a poor finish.”

The Nuggets are in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. They have three games left in the regular season. 

Denver won the 2023 championship against the Miami Heat in six games. Jokic was named Finals MVP. 

Malone has the most wins in franchise history. He will likely command a lot of interest. 

“It is with no pleasure that we announce that we have relieved Michael Malone of his head coaching duties, effective immediately,” Josh Kroenke, Vice Chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, said. “David Adelman will assume our head coaching role for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. This decision was not made lightly and was evaluated very carefully, and we do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA Championship and delivering another title to Denver and our fans everywhere.”