The 2024–25 NBA season has been one of the most unpredictable campaigns in recent memory. From blockbuster trades to abrupt coaching changes, the league has seen its fair share of chaos. The latest bombshell came out of Denver, where the Nuggets parted ways with head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth—just days before the start of the postseason. One of the many surprised by the move was Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who took to social media to voice his disbelief.
“I’ve been part of the NBA family for over 45 years and I’ve never seen a season like this!,” Johnson posted on X. “First, two superstars get traded in the middle of the regular season—Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis—and now two coaches, Denver’s Michael Malone and the Grizzlies’ Taylor Jenkins, get fired before the end of the regular season, even though both teams have already secured playoff spots.”
With just a handful of regular-season games remaining—and the playoffs set to begin April 19—the Nuggets made a decision that stunned the basketball world. Despite holding a 47–32 record and sitting fourth in the Western Conference, the front office opted to make a drastic change.
Stunning timing in Denver
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the organization met Tuesday morning and decided to dismiss both Malone and Booth. Lead assistant David Adelman has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets cheers after a play during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Malone, 53, was on the verge of completing his 10th season with Denver. He guided the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2023 and had maintained the team’s status as a Western Conference contender ever since. Now, with such a major shake-up coming at a critical point in the season, questions loom over the Nuggets’ ability to compete in the playoffs.
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Magic’s playoff predictions
While the league processes Denver’s front office overhaul, Magic Johnson has his eyes on two other teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. In another post on X, Johnson laid out his bold prediction for the Western Conference Finals.
“I predict that if the Warriors and the Lakers end up in opposite brackets, they’ll be playing each other in the Western Conference Finals. It’ll be must-see TV in the East and the West!” Johnson wrote.
Noticeably absent from his forecast: the Denver Nuggets. With the departure of Malone and Booth, doubt is beginning to creep in about Denver’s postseason chances—especially in a Western Conference where the margin for error is razor thin.
