As the 2024-25 NBA playoffs were about to begin, the Denver Nuggets made the surprising move to part ways with their championship-winning coach, Mike Malone. Shortly after his exit, he secured a broadcasting position with ESPN.
Michael Malone on ESPN?!?! pic.twitter.com/2xeH7L5igs
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 21, 2025
On his debut as a commentator, Malone wasted no time making headlines with his stance on the MVP race. The competition has been intense this season, particularly between Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Thunder.
“[Shai] showed why he’s the MVP.”
Mike Malone, former coach of the Denver Nuggets, calls SGA the MVP 👀 pic.twitter.com/v8J4m4QOil
— Underdog (@Underdog) May 21, 2025
Malone stated, “[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] showed why he’s the MVP.” Although this isn’t an outrageous opinion, especially given his recent firing, it has sparked speculation among fans that his comment was made out of resentment.
One fan remarked, “He HATES the Nuggets & Jokic now,” on X. Another joked, “Mike Malone hopping on ESPN right after the team that fired him got booted from the playoffs is the level of petty we should all strive for lmao.”
Mike Malone on an all time petty tour https://t.co/0pTg0Kthkr
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) May 21, 2025
Earlier in April, Malone had defended Jokic, arguing he deserved a fourth MVP award, which adds another layer to his recent comments.
Mike Malone 2 months ago: “Jokic is the MVP”
Mike Malone tonight: “SGA is the MVP” 😭 pic.twitter.com/817bDNLMfW
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) May 21, 2025
His change of stance didn’t sit well with many fans of the Nuggets…
With all due respect to Mike Malone, the real MVP is the reason why you weren’t a TV Analyst sooner.
I think he was trying to be professional and impartial but I think its a non genuine & bad look pic.twitter.com/s9TbMjoM3L
— Per Sources (@PerSources) May 21, 2025
Moreover, Malone, in his initial broadcast, praised the Oklahoma City Thunder fans, whom he called the best in the NBA.
Michael Malone said OKC just won a Game 7 in front of “The best fans in the NBA.” pic.twitter.com/hCD94ju5A8
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) May 21, 2025
Michael Malone calling the Thunder fans the “best fans in the NBA” stung a little more than I thought it would
— Rachel Vigil (@heyrachelvigil) May 21, 2025
Despite the mixed reactions, Malone did acknowledge interim head coach David Adelman’s efforts as the Nuggets pushed the Thunder to a seven-game series.
Mike Malone: “David Adelman did a hell of a job utilizing a zone defense” vs. OKC 👀 pic.twitter.com/BA15PnkWir
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) May 21, 2025
In terms of the MVP race, Shai is emerging as a frontrunner, boasting averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists this season. However, the argument for Jokic remains strong as he pursues his fourth MVP award, averaging a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists across the 2024-25 season.
