Nuggets Coach Fired: The Denver Nuggets shocked the NBA by firing Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth days before season’s end.
With the Nuggets standings slipping and the team at risk of dropping into the play-in tournament, the franchise announced that assistant coach David Adelman will take over for the remainder of the season.
Tension and Turmoil Behind the Scenes
Despite leading the Nuggets to their first NBA title in 2023 and posting a 471-327 record over 10 years, Coach Mike Malone faced mounting internal pressure that led the team to fire him. Sources say there had been growing friction between Malone and Booth, escalating into a behind-the-scenes “cold war.”
As the Nuggets (47-32) have lost four straight and dropped to 11-13 since the All-Star break, even Nikola Jokic, the typically composed MVP, has shown frustration. Injuries to Jamal Murray have further complicated the team’s downward spiral.
Parting Ways with Booth
Calvin Booth, who was promoted to GM in 2022, helped orchestrate the 2023 title run. However, the front office’s shift toward younger, unproven talent left the roster thin after the departures of key veterans like Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Denver confirmed it would not extend Booth’s contract.
Kroenke Speaks on the Decision
Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, called the timing of the decision “unfortunate” but necessary.
“There were trends that were worrisome… Winning can mask a lot of things,” Kroenke told Altitude TV. “I believe there’s more in that group to be accomplished.”
NBA Coaching Carousel Continues
Malone now joins the growing list of recently fired championship-winning coaches, including Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, and Mike Budenholzer.
Adelman, son of coaching legend Rick Adelman, now takes the reins for Nuggets games moving forward. He’s been with the team for eight seasons and recently interviewed for head coaching roles in Los Angeles and Cleveland.
For Nikola Jokic, this marks the end of an era. Malone coached him throughout his entire NBA career.
“There is no amount of gratitude that we can properly convey,” Kroenke said of Malone.
Nuggets Coach Fired: As the news swirls, all eyes turn to how the team will perform under new leadership heading into the playoffs.
Source: Espn