Two years of disappointing play and two coaching regime changes have taught the Nuggets organization a lot about what it should value most and the lengths it should go to get it.
Monday offered proof of that.
The Nuggets’ new coach, Michael Malone, talked at the team’s media day about establishing and valuing relationships. Kenneth Faried, the player for whom having a good relationship with coaches matters the most, smiled all the way through his media day interviews, largely because of the immediate connection he said he formed with Malone.
Veteran guard Jameer Nelson is the unquestioned team leader now, and he fully embraces the role. Malone raved about him. There were no questions of how to improve leadership skills of players who clearly didn’t want that responsibility.
The new coaching staff is planting the first seeds to develop a much-needed new culture.
“Certainly last year, our on-court success was unacceptable,” Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly said. “I think a lot of that, quite frankly, was due to a lack of a strong culture at times. … This year, we’ve made the coaching change. We’ve had some new additions in the locker room, I think we’ll have as strong a locker room as there is in the league.”
Added Nelson: “It’s hard for me to put a finger on last year, because I wasn’t here the entire year. But I can definitely say this year we are moving in the right direction.”
In the summer, Nelson invited the entire team to his home in Philadelphia for a few days of fun and training and team bonding. Almost everyone showed up.
“In 15 years of being around in the NBA, I’ve been around some great players. That’s the first time that I’ve been around a player that’s done that,” Malone said.
The increased attention on improving chemistry is getting the desired results. Asked if the atmosphere around the team is as clear as he has seen it in his time with the Nuggets, veteran forward Darrell Arthur said, “For sure.”
“Everyone seems anxious and happy to get this done,” Arthur said. “I think where it all started was Jameer’s camp. Everyone got a chance to know each other. I thought it was a great experience, just to get to know these guys and what they do well so we can be ready for training camp.”
Malone insists he will establish a hard-hat culture with the Nuggets. The foundation from which it grows, he said, starts with a good work ethic. He believes he has that type of player.
“This locker room does not concern me,” Malone said. “It’s not like I look in our locker room and say we have a couple of players that we have to keep our eye on. I don’t get that sense at all. My biggest question, which will be answered this coming week, I want a culture that is a work culture. I want a culture where we are selfless in our approach every day, and a culture where there’s trust. And if we can embody that, not just the players, but all of us, and we can live that every day, I think we’ll have a chance to do great things.”
Christopher Dempsey: cdempsey@denverpost.com or @dempseypost
