Nuggets assistant coach Popeye Jones, serving as acting head coach with Michael Malone and David Adelman unavailable because of health and safety protocols, took the opportunity of a pregame media availability to touch on topics far removed from the court or even suddenly taking on the job of running the team.
“I’d like to start the press conference with what’s going on in Boulder County,” Jones said of the wildfires in Colorado. “On behalf of myself and the Nuggets, we want everybody to know in Boulder County that we’re thinking of them and the Marshall Fire and we’re with them. I know a lot of families have lost a lot, a lot of homes.
“Also, in my hometown of Dresden, Tenn., I have to say — I don’t want get too emotional, three weeks ago, there was a tornado that came through there, basically tore my whole town up, surrounding towns also, and my university, Murray State, was destroyed. A lot of lives were lost, really tragic events. So I want those people from where I’m from to know I’m thinking of them as well.”
Jones, who was the Rockets’ second-round pick in 1992 but never played for the Rockets, learned he would be coaching the Nuggets on Friday.
“Coach Malone texted me and then he gave me a call,” Jones, who is in his 11th season in coaching but first with the Nuggets, said. “
Jones said he sought to collaborate on plans with Malone and Adelman but Malone said he “did not want to micromanage.”
“He said, ‘I’m in Denver, I’ll be watching, basically, good luck, but if you need anything, you know where I’m at,’
Jones has worked for Rick Carlisle with the Mavericks, Avery Johnson with the Nets, Frank Vogel and Nate McMillan with the Pacers and Doc Rivers with the 76ers. He said he has never taken over before though P.J. Carlesimo delegated a great deal of authority when he was with the Nets.
“I’ve learned from a lot of good coaches,” Jones said. “It’s crazy how you get an opportunity to do it. Always wanted to do it. Yeah, I’ve been an assistant for a long time, but I know I can be a head coach in this league and l can lead a team.”