Denver Nuggets Dismiss Head Coach Michael Malone and General Manager Calvin Booth Ahead of Playoffs

In a surprising development, the Denver Nuggets have parted ways with head coach Michael Malone and announced they will not renew the contract of general manager Calvin Booth. This decision comes with just three games remaining in the regular season and the playoffs on the horizon.

Assistant coach David Adelman has been appointed as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Adelman, son of former NBA coach Rick Adelman, has been with the Nuggets since 2017.

The Nuggets are currently on a four-game losing streak, holding a 47-32 record and sitting fourth in the Western Conference. Despite recent struggles, the team remains in contention for a playoff spot.

Vice Chairman Josh Kroenke stated that the decision was made to give the team the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA Championship. He acknowledged that the move was not made lightly and was evaluated carefully.

Malone, who became the Nuggets’ head coach in 2015, led the team to its first NBA championship in 2023 and became the winningest coach in franchise history with a 471-327 record. Booth, who joined the organization in 2017 and became GM in 2020, played a key role in assembling the 2023 championship roster.

The Nuggets’ sudden leadership shakeup reflects a pressing urgency to reclaim championship form as the postseason approaches.