In a surprising turn of events just days before the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA regular season, the Denver Nuggets have decided to fire head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

This decision comes during a challenging stretch for the team, with playoff prospects still uncertain. Assistant coach David Adelman has been appointed as the Nuggets interim head coach. This unexpected change has left fans and analysts in shock, especially given the team's recent championship success and Malone's long tenure.

 

 

 

Nuggets Head Coach Fired: Mike Malone Out In Denver

The statement of “Mike Malone fired” has taken many in the league by surprise. He was in his 10th season with Denver, making him the longest-serving Nuggets head coach in the team's history. Under his leadership, Denver secured its first and only NBA championship in 2023 and reached the playoffs for six consecutive seasons.

However, the team has faced challenges at a crucial juncture this season. The Nuggets hold a record of 47-32, placing them fourth in the Western Conference NBA standings. They find themselves in a vulnerable situation, tied in losses with several other teams and only half a game above the play-in tournament cutoff.

The current four-game losing streak and inconsistency on both offense and defense may have prompted ownership to consider a coaching change ahead of the playoffs.

 

 

 

Why Did The Nuggets Fire Mike Malone?

The specific reasons behind the decision to have Mike Malone fired are still not fully understood, but the timing is significant. The Nuggets were expected to be strong contenders for the championship this season, featuring a core that includes the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter.

That said, the team has not lived up to expectations, struggling in crucial seeding matchups and displaying signs of chaos during critical moments. Ownership may have recognized the troubling trends and decided to make a bold move as they approach the postseason.

While it’s not unusual in the NBA for teams to make late-season coaching changes to "shake things up," this situation is particularly noteworthy given Malone’s successful track record with the team.

Insiders indicate that there was growing frustration within the organization due to stagnant offensive strategies, defensive breakdowns, and questionable decisions made during games. Although Malone has been well-regarded for his relationships with players and his leadership, it seems that this goodwill was insufficient to counteract the recent struggles.

 

 

 

Mike Malone Coaching Career

Michael Malone, 53, has established a distinguished coaching career spanning three decades. He began his journey in the early 1990s at both the high school and college levels before making his NBA debut as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks in 2001.

Throughout the following 10 years, Malone held assistant coaching positions with various teams, including the Cavaliers, Hornets, and Warriors. His first chance to lead an NBA team as head coach came with the Sacramento Kings in 2013, although his time there was brief, lasting just over a season.

In 2015, he took the helm of Denver, where he would ultimately become the franchise's most successful Nuggets head coach. Over a decade, Malone achieved a record of 471 wins and 327 losses (.590), fostering a culture of stability and success in Denver.

His most significant accomplishment occurred in 2023 when he guided the Nuggets to their inaugural NBA championship, triumphing over the Miami Heat in five games during the Finals.

 

 

 

Nuggets Also Fire GM Calvin Booth

In addition to having Mike Malone fired, the Nuggets have also let go of GM Calvin Booth, signaling a comprehensive organizational overhaul.

Booth, who became general manager in 2020, played a crucial role in building the team that won the championship in 2023 and was key in significant transactions, including the 2021 trade for Aaron Gordon. He first joined the Nuggets' front office in 2017 as an assistant GM and stepped into the lead role after Arturas Karnisovas departed for the Chicago Bulls.

His time with the team was characterized by astute salary cap management and successful signings of role players. However, like Malone, his position appeared to weaken as the team failed to meet expectations this season.

This simultaneous dismissal points to possible internal conflicts or dissatisfaction with the team's current path, suggesting that ownership may be considering a new strategic approach.

 

 

 

David Adelman: About The Interim Denver Nuggets Head Coach

With the Nuggets having Mike Malone fired, Denver will appoint assistant coach David Adelman as the interim head coach. At 43 years old, Adelman is the son of former NBA head coach Rick Adelman and has been part of the Denver coaching staff since 2017.

Prior to his time with the Nuggets, he gained coaching experience with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic, where he was exposed to various coaching philosophies. As the lead assistant under Malone, Adelman significantly contributed to the team's offensive strategies and player development initiatives.

He has a strong basketball background and is recognized for his analytical approach to the game. Although he has not held a head coaching position in the NBA, he is respected by players and may be vying for the permanent position if he successfully guides Denver through a deep playoff journey.

 

 

 

NBA Standings & Nuggets Record

As of now, the Denver Nuggets are positioned fourth in the Western Conference NBA standings, holding a record of 47 wins and 32 losses. The competition is fierce, with several teams – including the Clippers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies – also having 46 or 47 victories.

Here’s a snapshot of the Nuggets record:

  • Record: 47-32
  • Home Record: 25-15
  • Away Record: 22-17
  • Conference Record: 29-20
  • Point Differential: +3.6
  • Last 10 Games: 3-7
  • Current Streak: Lost 4

The outcome of their next few games will be crucial in determining if they can maintain a spot in the top six or risk falling into the play-in tournament – a situation that seemed unlikely just a few weeks ago before they had Mike Malone fired.