Nuggets’ Real Reason For Firing Mike Malone Revealed
Nuggets' Real Reason For Firing Mike Malone Revealed
The Denver Nuggets have stunned the basketball world by firing head coach Michael Malone with just three games remaining in the 2024-25 regular season. This shocking decision comes despite the team holding a 47-32 record and sitting fourth in the Western Conference playoff picture.
The organizational shakeup extends beyond Malone, as general manager Calvin Booth has also been dismissed. Assistant coach David Adelman, son of legendary NBA coach Rick Adelman, has been appointed as interim head coach and is expected to lead the team through their upcoming playoff campaign.
Timing makes this move particularly surprising, as most coaching changes occur during the offseason or earlier in the regular season. The Nuggets are currently experiencing a four-game losing streak, which may have factored into the decision.
“My understanding is they felt kind of like the Grizzlies did with the departure of Taylor Jenkins is igniting this team. They’ve lost four games in a row,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. “They’re now in the bottom half of the league in terms of defensive rating, so they felt the signs were there that this season was not going to end well.”
Malone’s dismissal is especially unexpected given his impressive track record with the franchise. Since taking the helm in 2015, he compiled a 471-327 record, making him the winningest coach in Nuggets history. His tenure included eight consecutive winning seasons and culminated in the team’s first NBA championship in 2023.
“It is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now. Championship-level standards and expectations remain in place for the current season, and as we look to the future, we look forward to building on the foundations laid by Coach Malone over his record-breaking 10-year career in Denver,” owner Josh Kroenke said.
Reports from before the 2024-25 season suggested tension between Malone and the front office. These underlying issues may have contributed to this drastic decision, though the timing remains puzzling.
This move bears similarities to the Memphis Grizzlies’ recent firing of Taylor Jenkins, though Denver’s decision appears even more dramatic given their superior position in the standings and Malone’s championship pedigree.
Key Facts:
- Malone fired with 3 games left in regular season
- Team record: 47-32 (4th in Western Conference)
- GM Calvin Booth also dismissed
- David Adelman named interim head coach
- Malone led Nuggets to 2023 NBA Championship
- Team currently on a 4-game losing streak
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
