The Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and announced they will not extend general manager Calvin Booth’s contract, just days before the end of the regular season. Assistant coach David Adelman will take over as head coach for the remainder of the season.
The decision comes amid a frustrating stretch for the team, which has lost four straight games and is in danger of falling into the play-in. The Nuggets’ struggles have been exacerbated by the absence of star player Jamal Murray due to a hamstring injury, while Nikola Jokic has tried to keep things together despite his own frustration on the sideline.
Sources had reported growing tension between Malone and Booth, with some sources describing it as a “cold war.” However, owner Josh Kroenke attributed the decision to Malone’s overall performance, citing trends that were “very worrisome” despite occasional winning streaks. The team has seen several key players leave in free agency, including veterans like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown.
Kroenke acknowledged that the timing of the decision was unfortunate but expressed hope that it may spark something positive for the team heading into the playoffs. He believes there is more to the team than what has been accomplished so far and looks forward to seeing what they can achieve under new leadership.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44588997/nuggets-fire-coach-michael-malone-stunner