CLEVELAND – The Quicken Loans arena hallways are familiar paths for Nuggets coach Michael Malone. He’s walked them many times as an assistant coach with the Cavaliers from 2005-10.
The greetings are always warm when he returns. Malone credits his time with the Cavaliers as being one of the real jump-starts to eventually becoming a head coach.
“It means a lot,” Malone said. “I had five great years here. During that five-year stretch we had great success –- best record in the NBA twice, went to the Finals. I was very fortunate to work for a head in Mike Brown that allowed me to coach and gave me a voice and gave me a platform. Because of that opportunity and the success that we had -– because of a guy like LeBron (James) – that allowed me to be seen in a different light amongst NBA GMs and owners. And ultimately allowed me to become a head coach. So this was a great time for me and my family, great success. And it was a huge factor in me becoming a head coach in the NBA.”
Cleveland advanced to at least the Eastern Conference semifinals in each of the five seasons Malone was there. The Cavaliers made a trip to the Finals in 2007. Malone remains friendly with James.
“Whatap great about him is when I see him, there’s always a warm embrace,” Malone said. “Whenever I send him a message he always gets back to me. He did a lot for me and my family. I have a lot of respect for him and his family and what he’s been able to do since the time we had together.”
Footnotes. (back), (ankle) and (groin) did not play in Saturday nightap game. … Johnny O’Bryant got on the court late in the first quarter and wound up playing 11 minutes in the game.
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