The Nuggets were shocked when they fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth on Tuesday days before the playoffs began.
“We are unhappy to announce that we have effectively waived Michael Malone’s head coaching duties. David Adelman will serve as our head coaching role for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
“This decision was not carefully evaluated, we were just to give our team the best opportunity to participate in the 2025 NBA championship and offer another title to Denver and our fans,” a statement read.
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor revealed that the two employees never liked each other on X.
“Absolutely crazy. Booth and Malone never liked each other, talked little, and talked behind each other's back. With the team struggling on the court, Nuggets ownership decided to launch both. Crazy,” O'Connor wrote.
Zach Lowe, another long-time insider in the NBA, revealed last year that things were not going well in Denver.
“There is a rumble,” Lowe said on the podcast at the time. “Room! The coaching staff and the front desk, or at least the head coach and the front desk, aren't exactly the eyes in Denver's eyes. To some extent, the NBA is even unusual.”
Matt Moore of Action Network said: “Nikola Jokic was informed of the decision earlier today and was announced until today.
“Jokic *no* asked for changes in the front desk or coach, although his frustration with this season played a role in the decision making process for ownership.”
Nikola Jokic reportedly was frustrated with the Nuggets' defensive performance this season, sports Report.
“…League sources have performed against the Nuggets in the locker room, especially the defense. The Nuggets have only ranked 20th in defensive rating.
One thing is clear – the champion no longer guarantees work safety.
“I wake up every day and say it's probably my last day,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “You have to have that perspective because it gives you gratitude and keeps you hungry. If you want to be as long as possible, you have to maintain a healthy balance. At the same time, you're very replaceable because that's how it works. Every day I remind myself of my own mortality.”
Read more: Stephen A. Smith seriously considers running for president in 2028
