Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone challenges Nikola Jokic
How does a player improve after winning Finals MVP and breaking countless records along the way? For Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, that improvement has to happen in a unique way. According to head coach Michael Malone, his challenge for Jokic this season is to develop his vocal leadership.
“I think the biggest challenge for Nikola is to continue to find ways to be a leader, to express ourselves more,” Malone said during the media day. “I never told Nikola to go home and practice jumping left hooks. [For] a few years, it was about growing up, facing adversity, getting in better shape, getting stronger, and he won MVP twice, he was world champion. But there is always room for growth…I want Jamal and Nikola to take ownership of his team.”
More of a leader by example than a vocal leader, Jokic can continue to grow in this area as he ages. People often forget that Jokic is still quite young, as is Jamal Murray, so certainly both of these players can still develop.
It’s a scary thought for the rest of the NBA that Jokic and the rest of the Nuggets can still get better. Even if it happens in a way that isn’t always reflected in the box score, this Nuggets team can still reach another level.
