Denver Nuggets part ways with head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth amid playoff push
In a major shake-up just days before the end of the regular season, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and confirmed they will not renew the contract of general manager Calvin Booth. The announcement came Tuesday, with assistant coach David Adelman stepping in as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Malone exits as the most successful coach in Nuggets history, having led the franchise to its only NBA championship in 2023 with a five-game Finals win over the Miami Heat. Over 10 seasons in Denver, the 53-year-old compiled a 471-327 record, including a 47-32 mark this season.
"This decision was not made lightly and was evaluated very carefully, and we do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA championship and delivering another title to Denver and our fans everywhere," said Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment.
Despite Malone’s legacy, the Nuggets have stumbled recently, losing four straight and seven of their last 10, slipping to fourth in the Western Conference with just three games left in the regular season.
"While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone helped build the foundation of our now championship level program, it is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now," Kroenke added. "Championship level standards and expectations remain in place for the current season, and as we look to the future, we look forward to building on the foundations laid by Coach Malone over his record-breaking 10-year career in Denver."
Before joining the Nuggets, Malone coached the Sacramento Kings to a 39-67 record over parts of two seasons.
Booth, 48, who was promoted to general manager in 2020, is leaving the organization effective immediately.
"I want to thank Calvin Booth for leading our front office for the past three years and most importantly for helping put the final pieces in place for the roster that delivered Denver and our fans their first NBA Championship," Kroenke said. "Calvin's knowledge of the game, his passion for scouting, and his long history as a player and executive in the NBA helped lift our organization to new heights which we will continue moving forward. We are grateful to Calvin for his eight years with the Nuggets and know his place in Nuggets history as our first championship winning GM will be honored for years to come."
SportsLigue