Denver Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke has made a statement following the franchise’s stunning decision to fire head coach Michael Malone just days before the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
In a statement shared by NBA isnider Chris Haynes, Kroenke acknowledged the timing but defended the move as essential to maintain the franchise’s competitive trajectory.
“While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone helped build the foundation of our now championship level program, it is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now,” Kroenke said.
Malone, who guided the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA title—the franchise’s first—was let go earlier this week after nearly a decade at the helm.
Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth was relieved of duties in the same organizational shakeup.
Denver, currently 47–32 and fourth in the Western Conference, has lost seven of its last ten games during a pivotal stretch.
Kroenke emphasized that despite the leadership change, the franchise’s goals remain unchanged for the remainder of the season.
“Championship level standards and expectations remain in place for the current season,” the owner added.
The team named lead assistant David Adelman as the interim head coach, making him the second midseason replacement this week after Memphis dismissed Taylor Jenkins.
This coaching change ties the record for the latest in league history, matching Hubie Brown’s firing during the 1980–81 season.
Malone was the winningest coach in Denver history, amassing over 400 victories since taking over in 2015.
He led the Nuggets to two Western Conference Finals and oversaw the rise of Nikola Jokic from second-round pick to three-time MVP.
Under Malone’s leadership, Denver evolved from a rebuilding team to one of the Western Conference’s most consistent contenders.
His sudden departure comes less than two years after signing a contract extension through 2027.
While no permanent replacements have been announced, the Nuggets plan to reassess both the coaching and front office roles following the postseason.
In the meantime, Adelman, who joined the Nuggets’ staff in 2017, is expected to provide continuity as Denver closes out its regular season schedule.
Adelman has received internal praise for his work in player development and has been trusted with major responsibilities during Malone’s tenure.
Denver sits just 1.5 games ahead of the fifth-seeded Clippers and faces significant seeding implications heading into its final three games.
Kroenke’s remarks indicate the organization is not looking to reset long-term but rather believes a change was needed to stay on course for another championship run.
Across the league, multiple playoff-bound teams have made late-season changes, signaling rising urgency with postseason play looming.
Malone’s departure marks the end of one of the most successful coaching tenures in franchise history, with the 2023 championship standing as his legacy.
Denver will now attempt to navigate playoff pressure without the coach who helped them rise to the NBA’s elite.
