Now that the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone, fans are wondering if the longtime coach might regret one of his most famous symbols of success — a Nuggets-themed tattoo celebrating his 2023 NBA Championship win.
Malone had Maxie the Miner, the team’s mascot, tattooed on his shoulder after leading the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA title in June 2023. But following his surprise dismissal just two weeks before the 2025 NBA Playoffs, some are speculating whether that ink might be on the chopping block.
Luckily, the man behind the piece — tattoo artist Mike Diaz of Triple W Tattoos — says he’s down to help Malone out if he wants to move on.
“If he really wanted to do that, I would help out,” Diaz told TMZ Sports, adding that while he hopes Malone keeps the tattoo as a memory of his historic achievement, he understands if the coach wants to let go of it.
As of now, Malone hasn’t indicated that he wants to remove or cover the tattoo, and Diaz says no one from Malone’s camp has reached out. But considering the abrupt nature of the firing — especially with the team sitting at a solid 47-32 record — anything is possible.
Tattoo Still Available for Fans
If Malone does decide to part with the ink, it doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. Diaz says he’s still offering the same Maxie the Miner design to fans — at the special price of $52.80, a nod to Denver’s mile-high elevation and the same deal he offered during the team’s championship run.
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Malone, who spent a decade leading the Nuggets, will likely land another coaching gig — but whether his championship tattoo comes with him is yet to be seen.
