In a surprising move, the Denver Nuggets announced the dismissal of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth on Tuesday. This decision comes as a shock, especially since it`s happening in the final week of the NBA regular season and less than two years after Malone led the team to their 2023 NBA championship victory.
Malone, who was about to complete his tenth season with the Nuggets, holds the record for most wins as a coach in the team`s history. Under his leadership, the Nuggets consistently reached the postseason for six consecutive years. Notably, throughout his decade-long NBA career, three-time MVP Nikola Jokić has only played under Malone`s coaching.
The Nuggets have appointed assistant coach David Adelman as the interim head coach, effective immediately.
Team owner Josh Kroenke acknowledged the `unfortunate` timing of this decision in a statement released on Tuesday. He emphasized his desire to provide the team with the `best chance` to compete for a championship this year. Kroenke explained that this difficult choice was made after careful evaluation and with the goal of maximizing the team`s prospects for the 2025 NBA Championship and bringing another title to Denver.
Kroenke expressed immense gratitude for Malone`s contributions over the past decade, recognizing his role in building the championship-caliber program and achieving the most successful decade in Nuggets history. He also thanked Booth for his leadership in the front office over the past three years, highlighting his contribution to assembling the championship-winning roster. Kroenke mentioned that Booth`s contract would not be extended.
Reports suggest that there were tensions within the Nuggets organization, stemming from differing visions between Malone and Booth regarding team leadership, particularly concerning the balance between veteran players and developing younger talent. This season was described as particularly `tense and pressurized`.
Despite having Nikola Jokić, arguably the league`s best player, the Nuggets` performance this season has been considered by some as underachieving. Their record since the All-Star break is 11-13. While injuries to key players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon have played a role, the organization ultimately decided to make leadership changes. The Nuggets will now enter the postseason with David Adelman as interim head coach and face the pressing task of finding a permanent head coach and general manager as the NBA Draft and free agency approach quickly.
Jasper Hawthorne