In a move that has stunned the NBA community, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone just three games before the end of the 2024-25 regular season. Despite leading the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA Championship and steering them toward a seventh consecutive playoff appearance, Malone is out — marking an unprecedented coaching change for a postseason-bound team.
Also parting ways with the franchise is General Manager Calvin Booth, whose contract will not be renewed. Assistant coach David Adelman has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Nuggets Aim to Reset Before 2025 NBA Playoffs
The decision, announced by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Vice Chairman Josh Kroenke, comes amid a rough patch for Denver. The Nuggets are currently 47-32 and have lost four straight games, slipping in the standings but still in the mix for home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
“This decision was not made lightly,” said Kroenke. “We made this change with the intention of giving our group the best chance to compete for the 2025 NBA Championship and bring another title to Denver.”
No team in NBA history has changed head coaches this late in the regular season while still in playoff contention. The Nuggets are at worst guaranteed a play-in spot, but expectations remain sky-high for a roster built to win now.
Malone's Legacy: 2023 NBA Title and Franchise Record Wins
Michael Malone’s tenure with the Nuggets was one of the most successful in franchise history. He compiled 471 regular-season wins, more than any coach in team history, surpassing Doug Moe’s record. Under his leadership, the Nuggets:
- Reached the playoffs six times in seven years
- Advanced to the Western Conference Finals in the 2020 NBA Bubble
- Captured the 2023 NBA Championship, winning 16 of 20 playoff games
Despite that success, recent struggles and internal pressure appear to have sparked a dramatic shift.
“Championship-level standards and expectations remain in place,” Kroenke added. “We look forward to building on the foundation Coach Malone helped create.”
Nikola Jokic’s MVP-Level Season Overshadowed
The firing comes despite another historic season from Nikola Jokic, who’s averaging:
- 30.0 points per game
- 12.8 rebounds
- 10.2 assists
Jokic, a three-time MVP, appeared stunned after Sunday’s 125-120 loss to the Indiana Pacers, the team’s fourth straight defeat.
“I don’t know. Maybe we just... I don’t know, actually,” Jokic said when asked about the team’s biggest concern.
Coach Malone took accountability postgame, saying:
“I’ll start with me. I’m not doing my job to the best of my ability.”
Calvin Booth's Exit Adds to Front Office Overhaul
GM Calvin Booth, who joined the organization in 2017 and became general manager in 2020, was instrumental in building the 2023 title-winning roster. He signed his latest contract in 2022, but the team has now decided to move forward without him.
Kroenke praised Booth, saying:
“Calvin’s knowledge of the game and passion for scouting helped lift our organization to new heights.”
What’s Next for the Nuggets?
The Nuggets face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday as they attempt to close out the regular season on a high note under David Adelman’s interim leadership. With playoff seeding still up for grabs, Denver hopes this shakeup provides the spark needed for another deep postseason run.
This marks the second recent coaching change for a team headed to the playoffs. The Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins just weeks ago, replacing him with interim coach Tuomas Iisalo.
