🇺🇸 Denver Nuggets Fire Head Coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth
By Trendy Daily News | April 9, 2025
In an unexpected move with only three games left in the NBA regular season, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. Assistant coach David Adelman will serve as the interim head coach, as confirmed by the Nuggets organization.
🏀 Team’s Current Performance
Despite holding a solid 47-32 record and sitting fourth in the Western Conference standings, the Nuggets have faced significant struggles in recent games, losing their last four matches. As the team prepares for a pivotal game against the Sacramento Kings, team officials emphasized the need for change to maximize their potential during the postseason.
Josh Kroenke, Vice Chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, explained the decision:
“Based on our current performance metrics and trajectory, we determined a change was necessary to maximize our potential for the remainder of the season.”
🧑🏫 A Storied Career for Malone
Michael Malone, 53, was a highly respected figure in the NBA, ranking fourth in coaching tenure. He notably led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023 and had been at the helm throughout the entire career of Nikola Jokić, the team’s star center.
However, sources close to the team revealed that internal conversations focused heavily on the Nuggets’ defensive performance, with the team ranking a disappointing 20th in defensive rating. Jokić himself had raised concerns about the team’s defensive execution during this campaign, which played a crucial role in the coaching change.
🚨 Playoff Implications
Denver’s recent performances, including losses to teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs, have made the team’s fourth-place position in the Western Conference precariously close to dropping into the play-in tournament. The Nuggets are currently only half a game ahead of the eighth seed.
Kroenke emphasized that the team has additional potential and that the firing of Malone and Booth was a step toward achieving this.
🔄 Disagreements Over Roster and Player Utilization
Another key factor in the firing was the growing divide between Malone and Booth over roster management and player usage. Booth, who joined the organization in 2017 and became general manager in 2020, advocated for more playing time for younger players, while Malone preferred to rely on veterans during critical stretches.
One of the most notable disagreements involved the distribution of playing time between Russell Westbrook and Jalen Pickett in recent games. Sources report that this divergence in philosophy contributed to the strained working relationship.
📈 Recent Team Performance and Management Decisions
Calvin Booth oversaw several significant player acquisitions, including the signing of Zeke Nnaji to a four-year deal and the addition of Dario Šarić in free agency. Under his management, the team also brought in Russell Westbrook, with input from Jokić.
Despite these moves, the Nuggets have posted a 10-13 record since a hot nine-game winning streak earlier this year, adding pressure on the front office to make a change.
🔗 Outbound Links:
- Original Source: The Athletic
- Related article: Denver Nuggets on the Rise