Coaching the Denver Nuggets might have been more challenging than Mike Malone expected.

No one thought this team would definitely challenge for playoff spot, but the 10-16 start to the season has not been the only issue.

Malone has been challenged with transitioning Kenneth Faried to a bench role while still keeping him happy. It doesn't end there.

Via The Denver Post:

Related NewsArticle continues below
Number 34 Giannis Antetokounmpo photoshopped in Nuggets jersey.
Nuggets trade proposal for Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena.
Nuggets’ Michael Malone makes eye-opening career decision after Denver firing

While insisting he does not blame Faried, it’s obvious Malone has lost a little faith in his sixth-year veteran, which echoes the turbulent relationship between Faried and Malone’s predecessor on the Denver bench, Brian Shaw.

“My greatest challenge right now is, yes, to win games. But, more important, it’s to keep a young, fragile, sensitive team together. That’s really my biggest challenge every single day,” said Malone, who knows it’s impossible to keep 15 players happy with their roles.

Calling NBA players fragile and sensitive is pretty real stuff. The Nuggets players probably won't take too kindly to it but at the same time should understand where Malone is coming from.

The Nuggets have a lot of young talent on the roster and brighter days seem to be ahead. For now, they need to find a way to make it work with their coach and buy into what he's preaching.