In a move that caught NBA fans and analysts off guard, the Denver Nuggets have parted ways with head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just three games before the regular season concludes. The decision comes as the defending champions gear up for the postseason, creating a cloud of uncertainty around their playoff campaign.
Behind-the-Scenes Rift Led to Firings
While the timing appeared abrupt, insiders close to the Nuggets organization weren’t entirely surprised. According to ESPN, internal tensions between Malone and Booth had been simmering for some time, reportedly impacting team dynamics. Nuggets president Josh Kroenke had initially considered making changes during the All-Star break in February, but an eight-game winning streak temporarily eased the situation and bought both leaders more time.
Malone Bids Emotional Farewell to Denver
Despite the abrupt end to his tenure, Malone exited with class. On Sunday, he published a full-page note in The Denver Post, expressing heartfelt thanks to everyone associated with the team.
“To Nuggets Nation, it has been my absolute pleasure to lead and fight for our team every night,” Malone wrote. “To help bring Denver its first NBA championship is an accomplishment that I will always cherish. I will be forever grateful for the unwavering love and support you showed me and my family. Denver is home, and being your coach has been my privilege.”
A Decade of Leadership Now Finished
With Malone's exit, a sizable chunk of Nuggets' history comes to a close. It was during his 10-season tenure that he established Denver as a championship contender, climaxing in their historic 2023 NBA title win—the first one in team history. His leadership and development of Nikola Jokic into a perennial MVP candidate helped reshape the identity of the Nuggets.
David Adelman Is Interim Coach
With Malone gone, the assistant coach David Adelman was named interim head coach. He will try to lead the team in its last regular-season game, with the Houston Rockets still in town, and in the Western Conference playoffs, where the Nuggets are still fighting for ideal seeding.
As one era ends in Denver, attention will be on how the team can absorb the new leadership change and whether a strong title defense can still be mounted in spite of the sudden shake-up.