Former NBA champion calls out Nuggets coach over controversial statement

This week, Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone called on not just his players but the entire NBA to go soft. It was a statement that many fans agreed with, but also one that many disagreed with – including former NBA champion Richard Jefferson.

During an episode of NBA Today on ESPN, Jefferson criticized Michael Malone for calling the league soft.

“For the last 10 years, you’ve been the head coach of this group,” Jefferson said. “I’m trying to figure out what the coach wants.”

Jefferson doubled down after his co-host Kendrick Perkins tried to defend Coach Malone. In Jefferson’s eyes, he believes Malone needs more responsibility as a coach.

“Now you have a head coach who has won three of four MVPs and won the championship two seasons ago. “He’s talking about his guys being out of shape and shouting to the entire league that the league is soft and that guys are afraid to do something like that,” Jefferson said. “Well, for me, as a coach you have to take on a certain responsibility. When you look at your guys and say they’re out of shape, that means we’re going to compete in the next few days because we’re not ready.”

Regardless of the comments, the Denver Nuggets have not been a good team this NBA preseason. The team is 0-4 in the entire preseason, with numerous losses. Luckily for the Nuggets, preseason doesn’t necessarily matter and the regular season is still a week away.

Nikola Jokic made unprecedented history at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Kevin Durant gets honest about how NBA players view Nikola Jokic

Russell Westbrook reacts to being removed from viral NBA list