Michael Malone Tattoo Artist Offers to Cover Up Nuggets Championship Ink
If Michael Malone is second-guessing his Denver Nuggets championship tattoo following his abrupt firing, the tattoo artist behind the ink is offering to help—by covering it up.
Mike Diaz of Triple W Tattoos, the artist who etched the iconic Maxie the Miner design onto Malone’s shoulder after the Nuggets clinched their first NBA title in 2023, says he’s open to giving the coach a fresh start if he wants the artwork removed or reworked.
Diaz told TMZ he hopes Malone keeps the tattoo as a meaningful symbol of a historic achievement for both him and the city of Denver. However, he added, “If he really wanted to do that, I would help out.”
As of now, Diaz hasn’t heard from Malone or anyone in his camp regarding any plans to alter the ink. But considering Malone was let go just weeks before the 2025 NBA Playoffs—despite the team holding a strong 47-32 record and vying for a top-three seed—it’s not out of the question the coach may want to distance himself from reminders of the franchise.
Even if Malone moves on, the championship tattoo design could still live on through fans. Diaz says he’s willing to recreate the piece for others at a nostalgic price of $52.80—a tribute to Denver’s mile-high elevation and the same deal he offered when the Nuggets made history.
Michael Malone Tattoo Artist Offers to Cover Up Nuggets Championship Ink
