NBA Rumors: Emmanuel Mudiay Suffers Season Ending Injury; Is Denver Nuggets Rookie Better than Los Angeles Lakers' D'Angelo Russell?

By Mitch de Leon
Emmanuel Mudiay
Emmanuel Mudiay against w:Cliff Alexander in the w:2014 McDonald's All-American Boys Game Wikimedia Commons/TonyTheTiger

The Denver Nuggets will once again miss the presence of Emmanuel Mudiay in the upcoming match against the San Antonio Spurs. To date, the young NBA star has already missed six consecutive basketball games. Given the uncertain status of his health, it looks like the sick streak is not going to end anytime soon. Michael Malone disclosed that the right ankle of Mudiay has yet to show signs of recovery, thereby putting the Denver Nuggets in danger of not having the rookie's skills in the hardwood court this season. Without Mudiay, the NBA team will have to depend on the abilities of Jameer Nelson and Gary Harris in the match against the Tim Duncan team to ensure the safety of the backcourt.

Describing his injury as a "jammed" right ankle, Mudiay is eagerly anticipating the end of his health related problems. However, it looks like Malone is still not confident on the rookie's return to the hardwood court. The Denver Nuggets head coach also noted that the injury is causing problems for the NBA team - an issue that cannot be taken lightly given the competitive atmosphere of the season. Hence, it comes as no surprise when Malone decided to simply wait out the recovery of Mudiay instead of gambling on the rookie in the succeeding basketball matches.

"Lately, obviously, [Emmanuel Mudiay] has not been shooting the ball well," shared Malone in an effort to explain his decision to remove the rookie point guard from the games, according to Fox Sports. The Denver Nuggets head coach added, "He's one of the higher turnover guys in the NBA and he hasn't been guarding his position very well."

Malone went on to point out, "So, for anybody on our team, not just for Emmanuel, if you want to play crunch time minutes, you have got to be a guy that we can trust with the basketball, that can make the right decision and value the ball, you have to be able to guard your position and hopefully step in and be able to make a shot. We have plenty of guys who have not been able to do that lately." He further shared, "It's not just on Emmanuel, but obviously lately I've gone with Jameer [Nelson] down the stretch. Jameer has made big plays for us. And I have no doubt that Emmanuel will close out a lot of games for us moving forward."

Meanwhile, Malone was also asked to compare the Los Angeles Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell to their team's Mudiay. The Denver Nuggets head coach noted that both young stars were "very similar," according to the Los Angeles Daily News. He also praised Mudiay's willingness to become a "student of the game." Malone shared, "He has a chance to be a special player. He's only going to get better. You can't teach his size, his strength and his playmaking ability."

However, he added a word of caution to the rookie and said, "A lot of young players come into the NBA expecting it to be easier than it actually is. He has great moments and moments he will struggle. That's the life of a rookie."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories