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[Saba Sports News] Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone has expressed his belief that his former assistant, Wes Unseld Jr., was treated unfairly during his tenure with the Washington Wizards. Malone commented on Thursday about the Wizards’ recent move to shift Unseld to a front office position. He suggested that Unseld, who previously worked under him in Denver, was not given the opportunity to lead the team he had anticipated when he joined Washington.
Malone pointed out that when Unseld was appointed in 2021, the Wizards roster included Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal. However, Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers before the season began, leaving Unseld to coach Beal, who struggled with injuries. Over two seasons, Beal played in only 90 games under Unseld before his offseason trade to Phoenix.
During his roughly three seasons with the Wizards, Unseld’s record was 77-130. While this record might not seem to justify an extended tenure, Malone argues that Unseld’s situation was challenging, as the team he expected to coach changed significantly. Despite the difficulties, Malone remains confident in Unseld’s coaching abilities.