Denver, Colorado – The Denver Nuggets made a surprising move on Tuesday, firing both coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with only three games left in the NBA regular season. This decision comes as the Nuggets hold the fourth spot in the Western Conference with a record of 47-32, aiming to secure their position in the upcoming playoffs.
Assistant coach David Adelman will step in as the interim coach, taking over the reins following Malone’s departure. The shakeup within the coaching staff and front office reflects a level of dissatisfaction within the organization, culminating in a string of losses that raised concerns about the team’s performance both on and off the court.
Malone, who led the Nuggets to their first championship in 2023, was let go amid growing frustration within the locker room, particularly regarding the team’s defensive play. Despite his tenure and past success with the team, Malone’s inability to address defensive issues ultimately led to his dismissal.
The decision to part ways with Booth, the general manager since 2020, stemmed from disagreements over player usage and roster construction. Booth’s desire to integrate younger players clashed with Malone’s reliance on veteran talent, creating tension that impacted team dynamics. Consequently, the organization opted for change as they strive to maximize their potential in the remaining games of the season.
As the Nuggets face a crucial juncture in their playoff push, the timing of these dismissals underscores the urgency to address underlying issues that have hindered the team’s performance. With key players like Nikola Jokić expressing frustrations over defensive lapses, the organization is left to regroup under new leadership in hopes of salvaging their postseason aspirations.