The Denver Nuggets entered the season as one of the favorites to win the NBA championship. Nikola Jokic responded with MVP-level performances. However, things changed in the final stretch. With only three games left before the playoffs, their spot is still not secured. The team is also dealing with a tough losing streak, which raised serious concerns. Because of this, the Nuggets made a major decision. They fired head coach Michael Malone. Soon after, the interim head coach is reportedly decided.
The Nuggets‘ decision comes at a crucial point in the season. The team has not secured a playoff spot yet. Nikola Jokic continues to deliver impressive performances, but the Nuggets still fall short. Considering this, he had already opened up on the teams’ struggles this season.
With only three games left to chance their fate, they have reportedly chose their interim head coach. According to Shams Charania, David Adelman will now take over as the interim. The Nuggets, however, may already be thinking about the future. They could explore long-term options beyond Adelman.
Several free-agent coaches remain available. Since they are not tied to any contract, they could take over during the postseason. This flexibility gives the Nuggets more room to make a quick move.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 19, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.
Who could be the possible candidates to take the head coach spot on the Denver Nuggets?
Among the free-agent coaches, Taylor Jenkins stands out as a strong option for the Denver Nuggets. He led the Memphis Grizzlies to consistent success in recent years. However, the franchise decided to fire him. Jenkins now becomes one of the most intriguing names available. His track record, combined with his leadership style, could be a great fit in Denver.
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However, Taylor is not the only name in the conversation. The Denver Nuggets could also consider Mike Brown as a strong candidate to lead the team. He is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, which adds credibility to his profile. Brown left the Sacramento Kings in December 2024 after going through a rough losing streak.
Still, his defensive mindset stands out and fits what the Nuggets need right now. It could help Denver find quick solutions for their ongoing struggles on that end of the court.
The Denver Nuggets made another major change in their front office
According to Shams Charania, the Denver Nuggets have fired general manager Calvin Booth. This decision comes as a major surprise before the start of the postseason. The franchise chose to make a drastic change at a crucial time. As a result, it signals the possible end of a sports project that once seemed solid.
With a new GM in charge, changes are almost certain. These could affect both the player roster and the coach’s game plan. However, this sudden shift in leadership could damage the team’s chances of a deep playoff run. The timing makes the move even more questionable, considering the challenges ahead in the Western Conference.
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Which departure do you believe will have the biggest impact on the Denver Nuggets moving forward?
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