SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a dramatic turn of events, Calvin Booth, the general manager of the Denver Nuggets, reached a breaking point with long-time coach Michael Malone on a Monday afternoon in Denver. The Nuggets were in the midst of a troubling four-game losing streak, and the atmosphere in the locker room was tense. Sources from within the franchise revealed that key players, including three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, were growing increasingly discontented with Malone's intense coaching style. The strained relationship between Booth and Malone, which had been fraught for years, was exacerbating the struggles on the court.
Despite Jokić's incredible talent, his performance had begun to suffer under the weight of these internal dynamics. The Nuggets lost 13 out of 23 games, prompting Booth to confide in close associates that it was time for a coaching change. Remarkably, this sentiment was not new; sources indicate Booth contemplated firing Malone even during the Nuggets' championship run in 2023. Faced with mounting pressure to rectify the situation, Booth recognized that replacing Malone was the most pragmatic solution, especially with Malone's contract averaging over $10 million annually and set to expire in two years.
However, Booth's predicament was complicated by his own precarious position. As he was in the final year of his contract and had yet to secure an extension, he lacked the authority to initiate such a significant move. He would have to navigate the remainder of the season and hope for the best, or so he believed.
While Booth wrestled with his options, Josh Kroenke, team president and son of owner Stan Kroenke, was finalizing plans for a sweeping organizational change. After numerous attempts to mend the fractured relationship between Booth and Malone, including early-season meetings aimed at fostering a healthier working environment, the Kroenkes decided to take decisive action. On Tuesday, they made the shocking decision to fire both Booth and Malone, a rare move in the NBA.
The timing of this decision, just three games before the regular season's end, was particularly astonishing. The rationale behind the firings was twofold: to eliminate the negativity that had permeated the team and to provide an opportunity for longtime assistant coach David Adelman to audition for the head coach position as the offseason approached.
Adelman, who joined the Nuggets in 2017 and has garnered significant support from key players, was seen as a stabilizing force. With the potential for other teams, like the Portland Trail Blazers, to pursue him for a head coaching role, the Nuggets aimed to evaluate Adelman's capabilities in the final games of the season. The Kroenke family's decision was also influenced by the recent firing of Taylor Jenkins by the Memphis Grizzlies, which reinforced the notion that a reset might ignite a positive shift heading into the playoffs.
In the aftermath of the firings, the Nuggets faced a critical juncture. With Jokić's prime at stake, the organization recognized the urgency of fostering a cohesive environment. The turbulent dynamics between Booth and Malone had taken a toll, with sources indicating that the atmosphere in the locker room had deteriorated significantly. The Nuggets' defensive struggles, which saw them fall to 22nd in the league, further underscored the need for change.
As Adelman took the reins as interim coach, he emphasized the importance of unity and focus. "The bottom line is that we have to stay unified," he stated, urging the team to embrace the moment and remain committed to their goals. The Nuggets, currently positioned fourth in the Western Conference, recognized the need for a renewed sense of urgency and energy on the court.
With the playoffs approaching, the Nuggets understood that it was on the players to turn the season around. Adelman's coaching style, while similar to Malone's in some respects, included necessary adjustments to enhance team performance. As the players rallied together, they aimed to seize the opportunity for a successful playoff run.
The Nuggets' recent victory over the Sacramento Kings showcased the potential for improvement. Jokić, who had previously expressed frustration over the team's direction, spoke with Kroenke regarding the coaching changes before they were made public. The atmosphere in the locker room felt revitalized, and players appeared more connected and focused.
As the Denver Nuggets navigate this challenging transition, the impact of the recent coaching changes remains to be seen. With a talented roster and the potential for playoff success, the organization hopes that the firings of Booth and Malone will usher in a new era of collaboration and achievement. The players are now tasked with transforming the energy and intent on the court, striving for a deep playoff run while embracing a fresh start under Adelman's leadership.
