In an unexpected turn of events, the Denver Nuggets have made the bold decision to fire their head coach, Michael Malone, just under two years after leading the team to their first-ever NBA Championship.
The move has stunned many, especially as the team was still in playoff contention for the 2025 season, sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference with only a few games left.
The Statement From the Nuggets’ Vice Chairman
Josh Kroenke, Vice Chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Nuggets, addressed the media regarding the decision.
“It is with no pleasure that we announce that we have relieved Michael Malone of his head coaching duties, effective immediately,” Kroenke said in a statement.
He explained that this choice was made to provide the team with the best chance to compete for another championship in 2025.
Kroenke also acknowledged Malone’s significant contribution to the franchise, noting his role in setting an all-time wins record and delivering Denver’s first championship.
However, he stressed that maintaining the team’s competitive edge required this “necessary step.”
As a result, assistant coach David Adelman has been appointed as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Confusion Surrounding the Timing of the Firing
Despite the Nuggets sitting comfortably in the playoff picture, many fans and analysts have been left scratching their heads about the timing of this move.
The team is currently only a half-game behind the third-place Los Angeles Lakers, but also on a four-game losing streak.
This has raised concerns about the decision to make such a drastic change so late in the season, with just three games remaining.
Malone’s Impressive Coaching Career
Michael Malone, a New York native and son of former NBA coach Brendan Malone, has had a long and varied coaching career.
Starting in 1993, he worked his way through the ranks, serving as an assistant coach for teams like the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Golden State Warriors.
His first head coaching job came with the Sacramento Kings, but it was with the Denver Nuggets where he truly made a name for himself.
Over his ten seasons with the Nuggets, Malone accumulated an impressive 471-327 record, becoming the franchise’s most successful coach.
He guided the team to the playoffs every season after his first three years and ultimately led them to their first NBA Championship in 2023, defeating the Miami Heat in five games.
The Unexpected Trend of Mid-Season Firings
Malone’s firing comes just a week after the Memphis Grizzlies made a similar move by letting go of their head coach, Taylor Jenkins, despite being in playoff contention.
NBA reporter Mark Stein pointed out that this is the first time in league history that two teams with winning records have fired their head coaches with less than ten games remaining in the regular season.
ESPN’s Shams Charania noted that this marks the latest coach firing in NBA history, tying it with the 1980-81 season when Hubie Brown was dismissed from the Atlanta Hawks.
Calvin Booth’s Departure and Legacy
In a related move, the Nuggets also announced that they would part ways with general manager Calvin Booth.
Booth, who joined the team in 2017 and took over as GM in 2020, played a crucial role in building the roster that delivered the championship.
His work, including key trades for players like Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, as well as drafting role players such as Bones Hyland and Christian Braun, helped elevate the Nuggets to new heights.
In his statement, Kroenke praised Booth’s passion and knowledge of the game, expressing gratitude for his eight years with the organization and his contribution to the team’s success.
Booth’s place in Nuggets history, particularly as the GM who helped secure the team’s first title, will be remembered for years to come.
As the Nuggets move forward with these significant changes, the team’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: they are committed to remaining competitive and striving for another championship.
