The Denver Nuggets‘ turbulent season already forced changes in the organization. Michael Malone and Calvin Booth lost their jobs just before the NBA playoffs. The team made the decision after a string of inconsistent performances. However, Malone’s departure sparked more controversy. Several reports quickly surfaced, speculating about the reasons behind his departure. Now, Michael Malone has decided to break the silence sharing a message following his departure from the Nuggets.
“…Little did I know the profound impact that would have on the next decade of my life…I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Kroenke family, all of our remarkable players, and my exceptionally talented coaching staff…To Nuggets Nation, it has been my absolute pleasure to lead and fight for our team every night. To help bring Denver its first NBA championship is an accomplishment that I will always cherish… Denver is home, and being your coach has been my privilege,” stated Malone.
In his farewell message to the Denver Nuggets, he did not explain the reason behind his departure. However, he thanked the Kroenke family, which suggests there was no conflict between them. Even so, the timing of his departure surprised many. The team was still pushing for a playoff spot and had secured several key wins.
His departure also affected Russell Westbrook’s public image. Some reports claimed he played a role in Malone’s firing. However, neither side confirmed any involvement. Despite the unexpected shake-up, the Nuggets responded well, winning their final three games and showing noticeable improvement ahead of the NBA playoffs. The late surge allowed them to hold on to the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets directs his team against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Ball Arena on February 06, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke addresses Michael Malone and Calvin Booth’s departure from the franchise
Despite the great history Michael Malone and Calvin Booth left on the Denver Nuggets, Josh Kroenke still decided to fire both looking for a new direction for the franchise. According to reports, the decision came as part of a plan to build a stronger foundation around the team’s young players. However, Kroenke has not confirmed that reasoning so far. Even so, he did choose to speak publicly about their departure from the organization.
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“…It was an incredibly tough decision for us for a lot of levels, but at the very end of the day it was a very tough decision because of the amount of respect that I personally have and we as an organization have for (what) both those gentlemen did for us while they were here,” stated Kroenke.
He even made a surprising admission about his decision to let them go, stating, ”To be frank, neither of them deserved it. And for that I apologize.” Besides, Kroenke went on to acknowledge their lasting impact on the franchise, noting that they played a key role in helping the Nuggets win the first championship in team history. Beyond that, he credited them with instilling a new culture, one that will remain a permanent part of the organization’s identity.
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