“Tough and Frustrating”: Denver Nuggets Head Coach Expresses Discontent Over Player Availability

Denver Nuggets took over the internet with their first scrimmage game in the Bubble. Facing the Washington Wizards, the Nuggets came in with the tallest lineup in NBA history. But coach Mike Malone only did that since he didn’t have any option. The Nuggets played their final scrimmage tonight, and Malone still didn’t have all his guards available. Understandably, he expressed his annoyance about it.

In the post-match conference, Malone said that a lack of guards hurts the team and doesn’t help them assess their current situation. “The tough and frustrating thing is we still only had one guard. Will Barton was on a minute restriction and didn’t play in the second half, Jamal Murray has only played 20-25 minutes then after that, you’re asking Torrey Craig, Mason Plumlee, and Troy Daniels to be a point guard. So it’s really tough to get a gauge of where you’re at.”

The Nuggets were missing their two back up point guards in Monte Morris and P.J. Dozier. They also missed Gary Harris, who couldn’t play due to a hip issue. Nikola Jokic, who has been trying out as the point guard, has been struggling. He has a combined 18 turnovers across the three scrimmages.

Denver Nuggets second unit impresses coach Malone

After having just eight players in his first game, Malone was happy that players are returning to fitness as the games are set to begin. He also praised his second unit for their fourth-quarter performance.

“The fact that we’ve had as many healthy bodies is definitely step in the right direction. I thought the group that was in the 4th quarter just played with tremendous energy and effort. Did not think that group came in the game in the first half and played with that (energy). They gave up a 22-2 run, I believe, which is not what we can have from our bench unit. Hopefully next game we can get a few more guys back.”

To have a shot at competing, the Nuggets need a fully healthy squad. They can be a dark horse if they can turn up when it matters. They also have Bol Bol and Michael Porter Jr, who can be their X-factor(s). The Nuggets now play the Miami Heat on August 1 as they hope to seal the third seed.

Sources:

Nuggets vs. Magic: Michael Malone postgame interview (7/27/20)

Denver Nuggets Schedule