Nuggets' Nikola Jokic has earned the right to get rid of head coaches

Nikola Jokic may have played a role in Michael Malone's dismissal as Denver Nuggets head coach. 

A new report from The Athletic suggests that the three-time MVP "had grown frustrated and fatigued by Malone's fiery ways," and his patience began "wearing thin" last month after the Nuggets suffered a humiliating 126-123 loss to the lowly Washington Wizards.

"When it came to Malone and his level of support in the locker room, team and league sources say the bottom started to fall out in mid-March," wrote Sam Amick and Tony Jones, describing the Nuggets locker room situation as a "sad state of affairs."

Jokic seemingly confirmed he was on board with the Nuggets firing Malone. While addressing reporters on Wednesday, he revealed Nuggets ownership approached him beforehand, and he accepted their decision. Interestingly, he used the term "we" while referencing the people who made the call to terminate the longtime head coach.

If Jokic had opposed the decision, he would have likely voiced his displeasure. And he certainly wouldn't have spoken so openly about the firing if the decision had hurt him at any level.

Jokic has earned the right

Like any all-time great player, Jokic has earned the right to influence personnel changes — if he did play a role in Malone's firing. 

In 1980, Magic Johnson was instrumental in the Los Angeles Lakers dismissing Paul Westhead, something the coach revealed in his 2020 memoir. The decision paid dividends, paving the way for Pat Riley to take charge.

In 2004, Jason Kidd played a role in the New Jersey Nets axing Byron Scott after he led the franchise to the previous two NBA Finals. As one of the best players in the league, he had the stroke to get his way. Per multiple insiders, including Scott himself, Kidd approached the Nets front office and sought a change in leadership. 

In 2015, LeBron James was widely blamed for the Cavaliers firing David Blatt. Much like the Lakers' firing of Westhead in 1980, this decision paid off with Ty Lue's ascension as head coach, leading to an NBA title.

Last year, Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly played a role in the Bucks dismissing Adrian Griffin.

There have been countless other instances of stars having their way. Stars are one thing, but Jokic is on a tier above. An all-time great, he has singlehandedly made the Nuggets relevant for the last decade. After 10 years of being a model citizen, Jokic deserves the benefit of the doubt for getting a coach fired. He won't be the last to do it, either.