The Denver Nuggets have not had the season they envisioned when they paired three-time MVP Nikola Jokic with NBA’s all-time triple-double leader and former MVP Russell Westbrook. Despite showing some potential, the team has remained solidly mediocre and entered Tuesday evening on a four-game slide, sitting at 47-32 and fifth place in the Western Conference, trailing behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Now, in a surprising turn of events with the playoffs on the horizon, the Nuggets are joining the Memphis Grizzlies, who recently fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, in making significant coaching changes. “BREAKING: The Denver Nuggets have fired coach Michael Malone, sources tell ESPN,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania Tuesday afternoon, emphasizing the shock of the decision. Just days before the NBA playoffs, Malone, the winningest coach in franchise history since his hiring in 2015 and leader of the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA championship, was dismissed in a meeting today. He isn’t the only casualty; the Nuggets also parted ways with general manager Calvin Booth.
“Full clean out: The Denver Nuggets are also firing general manager Calvin Booth, sources tell ESPN. Michael Malone and Booth both out today,” Charania reported. NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor shed some light on the fractured dynamics behind the scenes this season, stating, “Absolutely nuts. Booth and Malone never liked each other, rarely spoke, and talked behind each other’s backs. With the team struggling on the court, Nuggets ownership decided to fire both. Insane.” It will be interesting to see how the playoffs unfold for Denver amidst such significant organizational changes just days away from the postseason.
