The NBA benches in full: Malone, to Denver.

Denver Nuggets officially have a new coach: Mike Malone

The Colorado franchise was the last one without a coach for the upcoming season. Malone joins the Nuggets with a three-year contract and an optional fourth year, as reported by ESPN, and the need to return to their old essence: speed and fun in the game.

Malone began his coaching career in the American League as an assistant for the New York Knicks (2001-05), the Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-10), the New Orleans Pelicans (2010-11), and the Golden State Warriors (2011-13). After his time in San Francisco, he managed to become the main actor in Sacramento. He was the head coach of the Kings for a season and a half, achieving a 36.8% winning percentage in 106 games (39-67) before being fired in December when the team led by DeMarcus Cousins had a record of 11-13. A good and surprising record, considering the forecasts made for the California franchise before the start of the season.

The hiring of the New Yorker (the only one the franchise interviewed twice) marks the end of Melvin Hunt's tenure, who took over the Nuggets as an interim coach last March when he replaced Brian Shaw, who could never escape the long shadow of George Karl (now with the Kings) and his resume: eight consecutive playoff appearances. Shaw did not reach the postseason in his first year. Additionally, the change in playing style (previously fast and fun; with him, slower) and his clashes with stars like Ty Lawson put the final nails in his coffin.

The new coach surpassed Mike D'Antoni and Melvin Hunt, whom many of his players had shown their support for him to remain in charge, in the final list of candidates. "I want to personally thank Melvin and his family for the professionalism shown throughout this process," Kroenke thanked the former Nuggets coach.