Nuggets Shake Up Leadership: Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth Dismissed Ahead of Playoffs!

The Denver Nuggets made a surprising move on Tuesday by firing head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, just three games before the end of the NBA regular season. Assistant coach David Adelman has stepped in as the interim coach.

Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, expressed that this decision aimed to give the Nuggets the best chance to compete for the championship in 2025. He acknowledged Malone’s vital role in building the team but felt this change was necessary given the current situation.

At 47-32, the Nuggets are fourth in the Western Conference but have recently struggled, losing their last four games. Frustration was evident in the locker room, especially regarding the team’s defense. Poor performances in key matches against teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors fueled this tension.

Interestingly, the Nuggets are not alone in this coaching change. The Memphis Grizzlies recently fired their coach as well, marking a wave of urgent adjustments as the playoffs approach.

Michael Malone, who began coaching the Nuggets in 2015, led the team to its first championship in 2023. Despite his accomplishments, his relationship with Booth had been strained, particularly over player use and roster decisions. For instance, Booth wanted to see younger players like Jalen Pickett get more playing time instead of relying heavily on veterans.

Booth himself is in the final year of his contract. After building the championship team, some of his decisions, like giving Zeke Nnaji a long-term deal without adequate playing time, drew criticism from fans. Recently, there have been signs that the team was losing its identity, no longer looking like the title contenders they once were.

Defensive struggles have been a significant issue. This season, the Nuggets ranked 20th in defensive efficiency, which has frustrated star player Nikola Jokić. Defensive commitment has been a hot topic among fans and analysts alike, suggesting that the team needs to reassess its strategies if it hopes to regain its competitive edge.

As the playoffs near, the spotlight will be on how Adelman leads the team and whether this change can spark a turnaround for the Nuggets. The basketball world will be watching closely to see if Denver can rally and find its footing again before the postseason begins.

For more insights, you can check out the NBA’s official website for team statistics and rankings.



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Denver Nuggets, NBA, Sports Business