NBA: Ranking all 30 head coaches heading into 2023-24

11 of 15

NBA Mike Malone (John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports) /

5. Michael Malone, Denver Nuggets

Michael Malone is the son of long-time NBA coach Brendan Malone. He knows basketball and initially had a reputation as a defensive specialist. The younger Malone has proven to be more innovative on the offensive end than his father. Having Nikola Jokic on your team helps, but the “Joker” didn’t become a star overnight.

He has done a great job of developing young players too. As his players improved so did the Nuggets. Guys like Gary Harris, Monte Morris, and Will Barton got better. So did Jokic, Michael Porter, Jr., and Jamal Murray.

Malone is also a strong leader. His Nuggets came back from 3-1 series deficits twice during the 2020 playoffs and came back to win both series. He’s also the head coach of the current World Champs. Is that good? Yes.