Nikola Jokic Praises Michael Malone's Move to North Carolina

Denver Nuggets star says new Tar Heels coach has the 'poise and the brain' to succeed in college basketball.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Malone's shift from the NBA to college basketball could bring a fresh, innovative approach to the Tar Heels' program.Denver Today

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic expressed his support for longtime NBA coach Michael Malone's decision to take the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina. Jokic, who played under Malone in Denver, believes Malone has the experience and knowledge to thrive in the college game and teach players the right way to play.

Why it matters

Malone's move from the NBA to the college ranks is a significant shift, and Jokic's endorsement of his former coach carries weight. As North Carolina looks to rebound from a disappointing season, Malone's proven track record of player development and winning in the pros could be a valuable asset in reviving the storied Tar Heels program.

The details

Michael Malone spent 12 years as an NBA assistant before becoming a head coach, first with the Sacramento Kings and then with the Denver Nuggets. During his time in Denver, Malone compiled a 510-394 record (.594 win percentage) and led the Nuggets to a 44-36 playoff record, including the franchise's first NBA championship in 2023. Under Malone's guidance, Jokic blossomed into a three-time NBA MVP.

  • Malone was hired as the new head coach of the University of North Carolina on April 6, 2026.
  • Jokic's comments on Malone's new job were made on April 7, 2026.

The players

Nikola Jokic

A three-time NBA MVP who played under Michael Malone with the Denver Nuggets.

Michael Malone

The new head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina, replacing Hubert Davis. Malone previously spent 12 years as an NBA assistant and was the head coach of the Denver Nuggets from 2015 to 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I am happy for him. Probably a little bit different because he was coaching in the NBA for about 15 years. He definitely has the poise and the brain to do it.”

— Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets star

“I think he's going to do a very good job, because he can actually have time to coach the guys and teach them how to play the game the right way.”

— Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets star

What’s next

Malone will look to quickly assemble his coaching staff and begin recruiting top high school talent to North Carolina as he aims to restore the program to national prominence.

The takeaway

Nikola Jokic's endorsement of Michael Malone's move to North Carolina carries significant weight, as the Nuggets star has firsthand experience of Malone's coaching abilities at the professional level. Malone's proven track record of player development and winning in the NBA could be a valuable asset in reviving the storied Tar Heels program.