In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone just days before the conclusion of the regular season. This decision is unprecedented in NBA history, as it marks the first instance of a team changing coaches with only three games remaining before the playoffs. Despite currently holding a solid record of 47-32 and being assured of at least a Play-In berth, the Nuggets are looking to shake things up as they prepare for the postseason.
Michael Malone, who led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023, had an impressive run as head coach. Over his decade-long tenure, he amassed 471 regular-season victories—more than any other coach in franchise history. His success included leading the team to the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. Malone's coaching philosophy emphasized teamwork and resilience, and he was known for transforming the Nuggets into a championship-caliber team.
The Nuggets' decision to part ways with Malone comes after the team experienced a four-game losing streak, including a recent defeat to the Indiana Pacers. Malone took responsibility for the team's struggles, stating, “I’ll start with me: We’ve lost four games in a row and I’m never going to point fingers.” His self-reflection underscores the challenges faced by the team, even with star player Nikola Jokić having a historic season, averaging 30 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
Following Malone’s departure, the Nuggets have appointed David Adelman as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Adelman will look to steer the team back on track as they aim for home-court advantage in the playoffs. Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, expressed that the decision was not made lightly, emphasizing the team's commitment to competing for the 2025 NBA championship.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that a postseason-bound team has made a coaching change. The Memphis Grizzlies also parted ways with their coach, Taylor Jenkins, earlier in the season. Historically, teams that have made such late-season coaching changes have faced challenges in the playoffs. The 1983 New Jersey Nets and the 2020 Brooklyn Nets both struggled after their coaching changes, going a combined 0-6 in playoff games.
With three games left in the regular season, the Nuggets are involved in a tight race for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The team has not yet secured a playoff berth but is guaranteed a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new leadership will impact the Nuggets as they prepare to defend their title and strive for back-to-back championships.
The firing of Michael Malone and the departure of general manager Calvin Booth signal a significant shift for the Denver Nuggets. As they navigate these changes, the team's focus remains on maintaining their championship-level standards while working towards a successful postseason. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining the Nuggets' path forward as they aim to bring another title to Denver.
