On Tuesday morning, former Nuggets coach Brian Shaw got in a few final words with his team before leaving the Pepsi Center for the last time after being fired.

On Wednesday, he released a statement through his agent, Jerome Stanley.

“Having been a part of 5 NBA Championship teams, I know how difficult it is to make the commitment necessary to achieve that goal,” said Shaw, who began by thanking Stan and Josh Kroenke as well as Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly and Nuggets fans. “It takes sacrifice for the greater good … and time, for a club to get to the championship level. Players, coaches, management and ownership all must share that commitment and build toward that goal. It is not an easy task.

“I am very proud of the effort that my staff and I put in while coaching the team. I also appreciate the support that I received from the KSE group. Finally, I believe that the Nuggets will grow to be a championship level club and give the fans in Denver a much deserved Championship. In time.”

Shaw, who has declined interview requests, coached the team nearly two seasons before being fired Tuesday. Many of the players blamed themselves for poor play that ultimately led to Shaw’s ouster.

“You always understand that it’s a possibility in the league, for a coach to get fired or a player to get traded or whatever,” Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson said. “I don’t like to see anybody get fired. Coach Shaw is a great man. I respect him as a coach and as a person. But it’s part of the business.”

Christopher Dempsey: cdempsey@denverpost.com or twitter.com/dempseypost