In a shocking move, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and will not extend general manager Calvin Booth's contract just days before the end of the regular season. The team, currently on a four-game losing streak and in danger of falling into the play-in tournament, has decided to make changes amidst growing tensions and struggles on the court. Lead assistant David Adelman will step in as head coach for the remainder of the season, taking over a team led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and missing star guard Jamal Murray due to injury.
The decision to part ways with Malone and Booth marks a significant shift for the Nuggets, who won their first NBA championship under Malone's leadership in 2023. With key veterans departing in previous seasons and younger players stepping into larger roles, the team's performance post-All-Star break has been inconsistent, prompting ownership to make a change in hopes of sparking a turnaround heading into the playoffs. As the Nuggets navigate these changes, the future of the team and how they will respond to new leadership remains uncertain, but there is a sense of optimism that this move could unlock their full potential moving forward.