Michael Malone might coach Nikola Jokic in the NBA All-Star Game / News - Basketnews.com

The Denver Nuggets' Michael Malone secured his place in the upcoming All-Star Game and will be coaching Team LeBron which might also include Nikola Jokic.

Credit: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images/AFP Credit Dustin Bradford/Getty Images/AFP

Michael Malone and the staff of the Denver Nuggets have clinched their trip to Salt Lake City for All-Star weekend. Malone will coach the team that will be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James in the February 19 matchup.

Nikola Jokic

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This means that the Nuggets' coach might soon be coaching his player, Nikola Jokic, in case the Serbian two-time MVP is picked by LeBron.

Boston Celtics interim coach Joe Mazzulla will coach Team Giannis, the team that will be drafted by Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Malone and the Nuggets' staff were locked into the All-Star trip Wednesday night when Portland defeated Memphis. That ensured that Denver will have the top spot in the Western Conference when play ends on Sunday; the All-Star coaches are picked according to which teams have the best records in each conference two weeks before the game.

"I say it every year and I told our players this. There's some teams that are dying for the All-Star break and can't wait to go to Cancun," Malone said. "No, we are keeping our eyes on the prize and we have to make sure we play all the way to the break."

If Malone had plans to go to Cancun or anyplace else over the break, he'll be leaving from Salt Lake City.

Jokic is the only Denver player who'll start. The Nuggets may have more players selected Thursday when the NBA announces the seven Eastern Conference and seven Western Conference players that will be reserves.

But there's no guarantee Malone will coach Jokic. That's up to James and Antetokounmpo; one of them will draft Jokic, and if it's James, he'll be with Malone for the game.

It's the second time Malone will have the All-Star coaching job. He coached Team LeBron over Team Giannis in the 2019 game at Charlotte, 178-164.

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