In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Nuggets have dismissed their head coach, Mike Malone, just days before the playoffs. While there have been no reports suggesting that superstar center Nikola Jokić urged for this decision, sources indicate that he was not entirely blindsided by the news. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Nuggets president Josh Kroenke personally informed Jokić of the firing, and the star player reportedly understood the organization’s move.
As the Nuggets stand at a record of 47-32, they are poised to enter the postseason for the seventh consecutive year, a journey that culminated in winning the NBA Championship in the 2022-23 season. However, signs of internal discord had begun to surface. Tensions between Malone and general manager Calvin Booth had been escalating, leading to what sources described as a "cold war." This tension culminated in Booth being informed that his contract would not be renewed, coinciding with Malone's firing.
The Nuggets have struggled recently, losing four straight games and posting an 11-13 record since the NBA All-Star break. This decline in performance has been accompanied by visible frustration from players like Jokić, particularly regarding the team's defensive strategies. Reports from The Athletic highlight significant dissatisfaction within the locker room about the Nuggets’ defensive performance, as the team ranks a disappointing 20th in defensive rating.
The discord between Malone and Booth extended beyond simple disagreements; it was rooted in fundamental differences regarding player usage and roster construction. Booth advocated for a shift towards younger players, while Malone continued to rely heavily on veterans. This clash of philosophies created a rift that affected not only the coaching staff but also the entire organization, leading to a palpable sense of unease within the team.
The decision to fire a coach of Malone's caliber in the final week of the regular season is virtually unprecedented. However, the NBA has seen a series of unexpected moves this season, including the Luka Dončić trade and the Memphis Grizzlies' recent firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins. Traditionally, the offseason is when teams make significant changes, but this year, the league has opted for an earlier start to the drama.
As the Nuggets prepare for the playoffs, the focus will shift to how this coaching change impacts the team’s performance and dynamics. With the playoffs looming, the franchise faces a critical juncture as it seeks to reclaim its championship form.
