The Denver Nuggets are a strange team. A few years ago, they had reached the top of the NBA by winning a championship. However, they are now a lower-tier team in the Western Conference, record-wise, of course. This season has been filled with shocks, just like the Luka trade. This time, it was the firing of head coach Michael Malone. This surprising move comes just before the NBA playoffs are set to kick off. What could Denver be plotting?
Michael Malone has been great for the Denver Nuggets organization. He is a true winner who has a connection with his team. However, recent reports from ESPN state that “There was growing tension” between Malone and the team’s front office. The decision came from the very top, according to the source. The front office wanted Malone gone now. The Nuggets have gone a lot younger since winning it all. However, they are still attempting to build around “The Joker.” Nikola Jokic has been a force to be reckoned with in the past few seasons.
The Denver Nuggets Open Up About Booting Head Coach Michael Malone
“This decision was not made lightly,” Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, said in a team statement. “And was evaluated very carefully, and we do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA Championship and delivering another title to Denver and our fans everywhere. 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.”
The NBA is an ever-evolving game. New sets, plays, rotations, and many other things are necessary to stay relevant. Denver must have felt they were no longer relevant under the leadership of Michael Malone. This is a business, and if your team is not winning and not making money from winning, it is time for a change. However, this close to playoffs may not be the best time for this kind of massive change.
The Denver Nuggets still have one of the best players in the NBA on their team in Nikola Jokic. Although, that will not be enough to get back to the top. The Cleveland Cavaliers, OKC, and Boston all have much deeper and better teams. It is clear that Denver wants to continue to compete at a high level. However, who will lead them to the promised land now?
