The Denver Nuggets have made a surprising move by firing head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, as announced on Tuesday. Malone, who led the Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023, was in his 10th season with the team and had made the postseason six consecutive times. The team’s current record of 47-32 puts them in a position to finish anywhere from third to eighth in the Western Conference standings this season.
Assistant coach David Adelman will step in as the interim head coach for Denver. Team owner Josh Kroenke explained that the decision to let go of Malone was made to give the team the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA Championship. Despite Malone’s successful tenure with the franchise, Kroenke emphasized the need to maintain championship-level standards and expectations.
There have been reports of tension within the organization, particularly between Malone and Booth, leading to a power struggle. The ownership ultimately decided to part ways with both in order to start fresh. The Nuggets have faced high expectations this season, with pressure to succeed mounting due to internal disagreements on team strategy.
With star player Nikola Jokić leading the team, the Nuggets have faced challenges in meeting performance expectations. Recent struggles on the court have raised questions about the team’s direction and leadership. Despite Jokić’s stellar play, the team has experienced setbacks and failed to meet their potential in the second half of the season.
Injuries to key players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon have played a role in the Denver Nuggets’ inconsistent performance this season. However, the decision to fire head coach Malone was not solely based on these factors.
Calvin Booth, who has been with the Nuggets since 2020, will not have his contract extended beyond this season. Nuggets owner Kroenke expressed gratitude towards Booth for his contributions to the team, especially in building the roster that led the Nuggets to their first NBA Championship.
With assistant coach Adelman, son of Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman, now in charge, the Nuggets will enter the postseason under new leadership. This will serve as a trial period for Adelman to secure the head coaching position permanently. The team will also be on the lookout for a new general manager as the NBA Draft and free agency approach after the playoffs.