Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has heavily criticized his team's lack of conditioning, calling out the NBA for its "soft" approach to training.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is not holding back his frustration with his team's conditioning, blaming the NBA's "soft" approach to training for their struggles.
After a preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns, Malone expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's effort, stating that they cannot be afraid to condition and run. He added that the league has become too soft, with coaches and players hesitant to push themselves physically.
Denver Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Slams Team's Conditioning, Blaming NBA for "Soft" Approach
"Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit," Malone said, via DNVR Nuggets. "That was probably a little bit hard on some of those guys. In practice, I think we can get up and down more.
"I think so often, as coaches and modern-day NBA, the league has gotten so soft. Everybody's afraid to condition and run. Well, we have to."
Denver Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Slams Team's Conditioning, Blaming NBA for "Soft" Approach
Malone's criticism is not new. He has consistently emphasized the importance of conditioning, particularly during the preseason, to prepare for the rigors of the regular season.
The Nuggets' struggles in the preseason have been evident, as they have lost four straight games. Malone is hoping that the team can turn things around before the start of the regular season, but he knows that conditioning will be a key factor in their success.
Denver Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Slams Team's Conditioning, Blaming NBA for "Soft" Approach
"We've got a lot of work to do, but I'm confident in this group," Malone said. "We're going to get there."
Malone's comments have resonated with many observers who believe that the NBA has gone too soft in recent years. Players are often criticized for their lack of effort on defense, and the All-Star Game has been ridiculed for its lack of intensity.
Whether Malone's criticism will lead to any changes in the NBA's approach to conditioning remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked a debate about the issue.
* Malone's criticism has drawn mixed reactions from around the league. Some coaches agree with his assessment, while others believe that he is being too harsh.
* The NBA has not publicly responded to Malone's comments, but it is likely that the issue of conditioning will be discussed among league officials.
* Malone's comments have also sparked a debate among fans about the state of the NBA. Some fans believe that the game has become too soft, while others argue that it is simply evolving with the times.
* The debate is likely to continue as the NBA regular season approaches. Malone's comments have brought the issue of conditioning to the forefront, and it will be interesting to see how the league responds.
