By Mallorie Salazar, Dig In Denver
“I’ve loved Mason. Great kid. First and foremost, really fits the culture that we’re trying to have here. Terrific work ethic, high IQ, unselfish,” Coach Malone said following the March 3rd practice when I asked him if he was happy with Mason thus far.
Malone absolutely loves having Mason as part of this team and continues to put his trust in the six-foot-eleven center, even though it may be difficult at times.
“I have to trust him more. I have to put the ball in his hands more when I take Nikola out so we don’t become so stagnant. […] I can continue to do a better job with trusting and allowing Mason to be the playmaker that he is.”
Day by day, Mason continues to improve as a Nugget and, regardless if he’s coming off of the bench or in the starting five, he is consistent in his play and that’s exactly what Denver has needed, particularly when Nikola Jokic is not on the floor. Mason also brings a much needed defensive element to Denver that we’ve been lacking.