Nuggets Part Ways with Michael Malone Ahead of Season’s End

By Ohm Youngmisuk | April 8, 2025, 01:34 PM ET

In a surprising move, the Denver Nuggets have announced the termination of head coach Michael Malone and have opted not to extend general manager Calvin Booth’s contract, just days before the conclusion of the regular season. The announcement comes as the Nuggets, currently holding a record of 47-32, are on the cusp of a four-game losing streak that threatens their playoff standing.

Immediate Changes: Coaching Shift

David Adelman, who has served as the Nuggets’ lead assistant, has been appointed as the interim head coach for the remainder of the current season. This transition signifies a significant shift in leadership following a season that saw the franchise win its first NBA Championship in 2023.

Performance Declines Amid Tension

The decision to part ways with Malone, who led the Nuggets for a decade, is reflective of ongoing tensions between him and Booth, described by sources as a “cold war.” Despite Malone’s success, including a franchise-record of 471 wins, the Nuggets have encountered challenges post-All-Star break, posting a disappointing 11-13 record.

Current MVP candidate Nikola Jokic has faced particular struggles, battling a hamstring injury and visibly exhibiting frustration during the team’s recent performances. The squad was once on an eight-game winning streak before the All-Star break, leading to rising concerns about their trajectory as the playoffs loom.

Insights from Management

Josh Kroenke, vice-president of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, commented on the decision, emphasizing that it was not a response to any singular event. “There were certain trends that were very worrying to me at various points. In the world of professional sports, when victory and loss are your currency, winning can cover up many things,” he stated during a conversation with Altitude TV.

Kroenke referred to the timing of the decision as “unfortunate” but expressed hope that this coaching change would reinvigorate the team’s performance ahead of the playoffs, suggesting that the Nuggets possess untapped potential.

Looking Ahead

The Nuggets have recently transitioned to a younger roster, incorporating players such as Christian Brown and Payton Watson around their established stars: Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. This shift comes after the departure of veterans like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown during the previous offseason.

Expressing gratitude towards Malone in separate statements issued on Tuesday, Kroenke acknowledged both Malone’s and Booth’s contributions to delivering the team’s first championship.

Conclusion

As the Nuggets proceed into a pivotal phase of their season, they do so under a new head coach. David Adelman, with a history of assistance under Malone, is set to navigate the team’s final games. Jokic and the rest of the Nuggets will look to regroup and reclaim momentum as they aim for playoff success, adjusting to life without the only coach they’ve known during their professional careers.

Contributed by Shams Charania of ESPN.