Nuggets shockingly fire head coach Michael Malone
In a shocking turn of events, the Denver Nuggets parted ways with head coach Michael Malone days before the end of the regular season.
The Nuggets have lost their last four games while potentially falling into the play-in tournament. Meanwhile, the team has held an 11-13 record since the All-Star break.
There were also growing frustrations around the team, which has seen more emotion from Malone and three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic.
Josh Kroenke, Vice Chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, released a statement to clarify the situation.
“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 via NBA.com.
“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.”
Malone spent 10 seasons with the franchise, where he held a 471-327 overall record, including leading them to their lone NBA title.
The Nuggets also chose to part ways with general manager Calvin Booth. He had been in the role for the last three seasons after Tim Connelly left for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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There was reportedly internal friction between Malone and Booth that likely played a factor in the Nuggets’ decision.
David Adelman, the Nuggets’ lead assistant coach, will assume the head coach duties for the rest of the season.
