Malone, the Nuggets’ head whistle since 2015, sits proudly in that camp. He’s never been shy about offering an opinion on the news of the day, even if it’s from a worldview that doesn’t always mesh with 100% of his audience. It’s a free country.

When the Denver Nuggets signed 17-year veteran Russell Westbrook in free agency this summer, they knew pace would be one way he could help the team. While pace

He stayed back in Denver for his daughter Bridget’s high school volleyball game in the state tournament, which ends Saturday. “I hope he’s watching his daughter play,” Adelman said when asked if he thought Malone would watch the Nuggets on his phone.