In a stunning twist as the NBA playoffs loom, the Denver Nuggets have relieved head coach Michael Malone of his duties and will not extend general manager Calvin Booth's contract. The announcement came on Tuesday as the team seeks a fresh strategy to bolster their championship ambitions.
David Adelman will assume the head coaching role for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. According to the team statement, the decision was made only after careful evaluation, aiming to provide the best possible opportunity for the Nuggets to compete for the 2025 NBA Championship and deliver another title to their fans worldwide.
During his tenure beginning in 2015, Malone guided the Nuggets to an impressive 471 wins in 798 games, helped shape the career of standout center Nikola Jokic, and played a pivotal role in securing the franchise's first NBA title in 2023. Despite these achievements, a series of four straight losses at the end of the regular season saw the team placed in a tight race in the Western Conference, prompting the management to act decisively.
The move also comes amid criticism of general manager Calvin Booth over key roster decisions, including the high-profile five-year, $179 million contract extension for Michael Porter Jr. As the Nuggets adjust their approach, the dramatic coaching change reflects the intense pressure and rapid decision-making necessary in professional sports.
Across the global sports community, fans and experts are watching with keen interest as the team gears up for a high-stakes playoff run, eager to see how this leadership shift will impact the long-term strategy for this storied franchise.
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Nuggets fire champion coach Michael Malone right before NBA Playoffs
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