After a generally failed experience on the Minnesota bench, Ryan Saunders bounced back to Denver by taking a step back. He was no longer the main coach, but now Michael Malone’s assistant.
A year after this choice, the former Wolves coach is in the Finals. Difficult to do better so far, perhaps waiting to win a ring against Boston or Miami.
“It’s great, on all levels”he confirms for the Star Tribune. “It’s great to be next to Malone, to learn from him, to share moments with him. He is not one of the best coaches in the league by chance. The success of this team this season has allowed me to live a lot of very interesting experiences, the All-Star Game for example, and this course in the West, with the opportunity to win the title. »
Best attack of the playoffs, the Nuggets also displayed a big defense, and that is the sector of Saunders which is responsible for setting it up. What is its formula?
“It’s simply thanks to the players”, he answers. “I’ve never been part of such a generous, tough group in my life. I have never seen players accept their role so much, accept coaching in this way. I have known great players that we could manage, but they are incredible. They want to progress, they accept responsibilities. »
He insists on the defensive qualities of Nikola Jokic
The biggest of all in this group is obviously Nikola Jokic, even if the latter wants to emphasize Jamal Murray. Double MVP of the regular season, the Serbian pivot has averaged 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds and 10.3 assists since the start of the playoffs! Not to mention his 53% shooting success and 47% at 3-pts…
“My God…I could talk about this for hours”, explains Ryan Saunders. “His work is incredible. He works hard every time he’s on the court. He’s implicated. Everything he does, he does with victory in mind, or to help his teammates. He is a leader by example. He wants to be a good teammate and that’s remarkable to watch. I think a lot of young people, if they don’t watch Jokic, should take inspiration from that. He has so many qualities, not only sporting but human. »
What would be the Denver star’s favorite assistant quality?
“I can name several but I would say his passes, his vision of the game. His low post support too. He’s also great at screens and still a much better defender than people imagine. We don’t emphasize it enough. Really, I suggest people take a close look at this. He gives the maximum every time. »
