Denver Nuggets Coach Makes Bold Defensive Statement

Michael Malone wants people to take notice.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Despite how good the Denver Nuggets are, they largely remain a team that flies under the radar. Unless it's Nikola Jokic on the court, most players on their team don't receive enough recognition - especially, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

After the Denver Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers without both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, head coach Michael Malone made sure to give praise and recognition to those on the court. One of those guys in particular, was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

"All the guys in the locker room, they call him First Team," Malone said. "I just really sincerely hope that the national media and everybody else following this great league really takes into account the job he does every night. We see it. I see it every day. He is an incredible defensive player."

This season, the Denver Nuggets are ranked 10th in their defensive rating. They rank 7th in not allowing opponents to score second-chance points, 8th in limiting opponents' fast-break points, and 11th in blocks. This doesn't happen without the collective effort of Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, Aaron Gordon, and all of the other key role players on the team.

For as much as the Nuggets may have struggled in the middle of the season, and for losing Bruce Brown, the team is still very much in a position to be the first-seed this season. If that happens, there's nothing that the critics can say.

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