Nuggets coach Mike Malone wants to begin to establish his team’s identity in summer league play. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
It’s already ‘go’ time in Michael Malone’s mind.
The fact that it’s July, four months before the start of the season, or that it’s summer league, have no bearing on the new Nuggets coach’s state of mind.
He wants the foundation of his system, both in practice and games, laid now.
“I told the guys, we’re not waiting for training camp to lay the foundation,” Malone said. “Our goal every day is to try and find a way to get better. Instilling our identity, what we want the Denver Nuggets to be — a team that defends, a team that gang rebounds and a team that runs. And on top of that, obviously valuing and sharing the basketball.”
The Nuggets have gone through two-a-day practices each day to get ready for Las Vegas Summer League. Each day one practice is more dedicated to scrimmaging or something similar to that, while the other practice is devoted to drills and skills work.
“We want to be a great running team, but it’s going to come from great defense and rebounding,” Malone said. “Good teams don’t beat themselves. So we have to make sure we are valuing the ball and sharing the ball.”
The early returns have generally been good. There is some sloppiness, which is to be expected with young players and a new coaching staff trying to mesh, but Malone has been pleased with the work ethic. And though the Nuggets’ youngest players are participating in summer league, Malone has invited veteran players to come to Vegas to at least watch, and, if they choose, participate, in some of the team’s practices to get a feel for what will be expected in the fall. Wilson Chandler has already accepted the invitation.
“Anytime you can lay your foundation in early July, heading out to Vegas, I think it’s really important,” Malone said. “The word that is a big word that I believe in is habits. Creating proper work habits. No shortcuts. Holding guys accountable and making sure we find a way to get better every single day.”
Jokic update. Nuggets center Nikola Jokic did not practice on Tuesday, as he continues to get completely cleared to join his new team. He could practice as early as Wednesday, but is expected on the court before the team heads to Las Vegas.
Follow Chris Dempsey on Twitter @dempseypost or email him at cdempsey@denverpost.com
