"End of an Era: Nuggets Part Ways with Coach Malone and GM Booth"

​In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Nuggets have parted ways with head coach Michael Malone and announced they will not renew the contract of general manager Calvin Booth. This decision comes with just three games remaining in the regular season, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the team's future direction.​

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Michael Malone's Tenure with the Nuggets

Michael Malone took the helm as head coach of the Nuggets in 2015. Over his nearly ten-year tenure, he transformed the team into a formidable force in the Western Conference. Under his leadership, the Nuggets clinched their first-ever NBA championship in 2023, a historic achievement that elevated the franchise's status. Malone's overall record with the team stands at an impressive 471-327, making him the winningest coach in the franchise's history. ​

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Calvin Booth's Role and Contributions

Calvin Booth joined the Nuggets' front office in 2017 and was promoted to general manager in 2020. During his tenure, Booth was instrumental in assembling the roster that secured the 2023 championship. His strategic decisions in player acquisitions and team development were pivotal in the Nuggets' recent successes. Despite these accomplishments, the organization has chosen not to extend his contract beyond the current season. ​

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Recent Performance and Contributing Factors

The Nuggets' recent performance has been a mixed bag. As of April 8, 2025, the team holds a 47-32 record, placing them fourth in the Western Conference. However, a concerning four-game losing streak has raised questions about the team's consistency and playoff readiness. This slump, coupled with internal tensions and strategic disagreements between Malone and Booth, may have influenced the organization's decision to make leadership changes. ​

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Interim Leadership and Immediate Plans

In the wake of these departures, assistant coach David Adelman has been appointed as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Adelman, who has been with the team since 2017, is respected within the organization and is expected to provide continuity as the Nuggets approach the postseason. The front office has yet to announce plans for a permanent head coach or general manager, leaving the team's long-term leadership structure uncertain. ​

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Implications for the Team and Fans

The timing of these changes is particularly striking, coming so close to the playoffs. Such mid-season upheavals are rare in the NBA, especially for teams with winning records and playoff aspirations. Fans have expressed a range of emotions, from shock and disappointment to cautious optimism about the future. Star players, including Nikola Jokić, now face an uncertain landscape as they prepare for critical postseason games under new leadership. ​

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Looking Ahead

The Nuggets have three regular-season games remaining:​

NBA Schedule

Arabian Time

Nuggets

Kings

Thursday

5:00 AM

Grizzlies

Nuggets

Saturday

4:00 AM

Nuggets

Rockets

Sunday

10:30 PM

How the team responds to these leadership changes in the short term will be closely watched. The organization's next steps in selecting a permanent head coach and general manager will be crucial in shaping the Nuggets' trajectory in the coming seasons.​

In conclusion, the Denver Nuggets' decision to part ways with Michael Malone and not extend Calvin Booth's contract marks a significant shift for the franchise. While the immediate future holds uncertainties, these changes underscore the organization's commitment to recalibrating and striving for continued success in the highly competitive NBA landscape.​

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