The Denver Nuggets reportedly scheduled a second interview with ex-Sacramento Kings coach Mike Malone. Denver's list of coaching candidates appears to be narrowed down to Mike D'Antoni, Melvin Hunt and Malone.
Things apparently went well enough in Malone's first interview with Denver that he's now scheduled for a second, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
"ESPN sources say former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Malone has secured a second interview with the Denver Nuggets for their coaching vacancy," Stein tweeted Sunday. "... I would expect similar for Mike D'Antoni and, of course, Nuggets interim coach Melvin Hunt remains firmly in the mix to keep job full-time."
The three aforementioned coaches appear to be the finalists on Denver's list of candidates, given that no other candidates have been linked to Denver as of late. Although Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Tyronn Lue could become a possibility after the season, the Nuggets likely would have already asked and received permission to interview him. Ex-Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy also are available, but neither coach seems interested in Denver's vacancy - especially not with a complete rebuild looming over the Nuggets this summer. No reports have linked either coach to the Denver.
Stein previously reported all Malone, D'Antoni and Hunt were under "strong consideration," and they do appear to be the three frontrunners for the job. Hunt may have an edge given the way the team played for him in his brief stint as interim coach, and Denver's decision on him - whatever it may be - likely would come before the NBA draft on June 25.
