Nuggets Shine: Players Praise Interim Coach Adelman’s Inspiring Leadership

OKLAHOMA CITY — After the Denver Nuggets ended their season, team governor Josh Kroenke avoided discussing the head coaching position directly. Instead, he praised the team’s resilience under interim coach David Adelman.

Kroenke expressed pride in how the players responded after the Nuggets suffered a tough 125-93 loss to the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. He fired longtime coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just three games before the season’s end.

“Outside of winning a championship, I’m most proud of this,” Kroenke told ESPN in the locker room. “The players really rallied.”

Adelman, who just turned 44, is a strong contender for the permanent head coaching role. Having been an assistant for eight seasons, he built good relationships with the team’s core players. After taking over, he led the Nuggets to win their last three regular-season games, securing the Western Conference’s No. 4 seed. They even managed a seven-game first-round victory over the LA Clippers before putting up a tough fight against the Thunder.

“I love DA,” said Aaron Gordon, one of the remaining starters from the Nuggets’ championship team. “I hope he’s our coach next year. He deserves a full training camp to develop his philosophy.”

Despite the speculation, Adelman stayed focused on the present. “It’s not the right time for me to think about that,” he said after the loss. He emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity and the buy-in he received from the players.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic praised Adelman, noting that he brought new energy to the team. “He changed the atmosphere. We had chances against the top team in the NBA, and that’s a testament to his impact,” Jokic said.

Jamal Murray also backed Adelman, highlighting his creative defensive strategies that kept the Thunder guessing.

Mark Daigneault, who was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2023-24, acknowledged Adelman’s leadership in difficult circumstances. “They had their ups and downs, but they stayed competitive and united. That’s a credit to the relationships he’s built with the players,” Daigneault stated.

The coaching decision will depend on the management team, but many believe Adelman’s experience and rapport with the players could be a strong foundation for the Nuggets moving forward.

In a league where coaching can make or break a team, having a leader who connects with players is crucial. Recent stats show that teams that maintain stable coaching staff have a 20% higher chance of making the playoffs compared to those frequently changing coaches.

Thus, the Nuggets have a big choice ahead. With Adelman’s track record and player support, he represents not just a potential future for the Nuggets but a chance for them to grow as a franchise.



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