The Denver Nuggets have hired Michael Malone as head coach.

Malone was fired last December as head coach of the Sacramento Kings.

Malone will replace interim head coach Melvin Hunt, who was also a candidate for the job. The Nuggets fired Brian Shaw during the middle of last season.

Malone had been an NBA assistant coach with Golden State (2011-13), New Orleans (2010-11), Cleveland (2005-10) and New York (2001-05).