​In a surprising move just days
before the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach
Michael Malone, according to a report by ESPN’s Shams
Charania. 

Furthermore, the Nuggets
announced they will not extend the contract of general manager
Calvin Booth and have relieved him of his duties as
well.

Malone, who became the Nuggets’
head coach in 2015, led the team to its first NBA championship in
2023 and became the franchise’s winningest coach with a record of
471–327. ​

Despite a recent four-game
losing streak, the Nuggets hold a 47–32 record and are contending
for home-court advantage in the postseason. ​

Assistant coach David Adelman
has been appointed as interim head coach.

ANALYSIS: The decision to part
ways with both Malone and Booth reflects the organization’s urgency
to reclaim championship form as the postseason approaches. The
in-season rift between Denver’s front office and coaching body has
been an open secret ​with both sides not agreeing on tactical
decisions on the court. However, the timing of the firing is what
intrigues the league, with only a week remaining before the
playoffs start.

Moreover, this playoff run would
likely spell another player movement change in the offseason if the
Nuggets do not make a deep run. The franchise had long been in
search of capable pieces around 3-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic since
winning the title two years ago, and this move signals the
impending change inside the team as well.