The Denver Nuggets made a shocking move just days before the 2025 NBA Playoffs, firing head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the dismissals were driven by a series of disappointing performances and a growing rift between Malone and Booth. Despite the sudden nature of the firing, the decision had been brewing for a while.
Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets’ superstar and three-time MVP, was informed of the changes ahead of time. According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Jokic did not approach ownership to request the moves. However, his agent, Misko Raznatovic, visited Denver from Serbia last week, signaling the magnitude of the situation.
Charania explained that the Nuggets had been on a downward trajectory, losing four straight games and seeing a drop in defensive performance. There had been ongoing tension between Malone and Booth, referred to by some sources as a “cold war,” and the team’s performance in recent weeks made it clear that change was needed. The franchise’s decision-makers, led by Josh Kroenke, opted to act swiftly rather than wait for the offseason.
The timing of the firings shocked everyone, including Malone, Booth, and the players. As Charania mentioned, “Everyone was shocked by the timing.” Malone, who had led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023, found himself dismissed under unexpected circumstances.
The move marks just the second time in NBA history that a head coach has been fired so close to the playoffs, with the last instance occurring in 1981 when the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins. The timing of Malone’s departure, in particular, raised eyebrows due to his success, having guided the Nuggets to a championship and setting a franchise record for wins.
David Adelman, the Nuggets’ lead assistant since 2017, has been appointed as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Known for his understanding of Malone’s system and his work with player development, Adelman’s role will be crucial as the team heads into the playoffs.
Despite the Nuggets’ strong start to the season, their recent struggles, including a 47-32 record and dropping in defensive efficiency, led to concerns. Charania noted that the team’s performance during the second half of the season was part of the reason for the move. “The Nuggets believed something needed to change now,” Charania stated, emphasizing the importance of shifting the team’s culture going into the playoffs.
The Nuggets are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference, but they face a tough road ahead with just three games remaining before the postseason. With the team’s defense faltering and their standing in the conference uncertain, the question now is how the players will respond to the seismic shift in leadership.
