In a surprising move, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and announced they will not extend general manager Calvin Booth`s contract. This decision comes just six days before the end of the regular NBA season. Despite being just two years removed from an NBA championship and currently holding fourth place in the Western Conference, the Nuggets have made significant changes.
Denver`s recent performance includes a four-game losing streak, placing them only a half-game ahead of a group of four teams tied for fifth. Statistical models indicate a considerable chance (46.9%) of the Nuggets falling into the play-in tournament.
Their upcoming schedule features challenging road games against the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets, along with a home game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies themselves recently made a coaching change, firing Taylor Jenkins on March 28. These factors make it difficult for the Nuggets to secure their playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Basketball experts are now analyzing the implications of these changes, particularly concerning Denver`s playoff prospects and the future of Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP.
Reactions to Malone and Booth`s Dismissal
Ohm Youngmisuk: The move is shocking, but not entirely unexpected. While the timing is surprising, a change seemed likely. Tensions between Malone and Booth had reportedly been growing, described as a `cold war.` Denver`s recent 11-13 record since the All-Star break and player frustrations indicated low team morale. Ownership decided to act before the playoffs to inject energy into the team, led by star player Jokic.
Bobby Marks: It`s a stunning development. Despite rumors of potential changes in Denver, no one anticipated such a move just days before the regular season concludes.
Michael C. Wright: Similar to Memphis firing Jenkins, it`s a questionable decision. Dismissing the coach who led the Nuggets to their only championship, especially when aiming for another title, seems counterproductive and could negatively impact team morale.
Chris Herring: Even more surprising than the Memphis firing, given Denver`s recent championship win. Jamal Murray`s absence in the last five games partly explains the losing streak, yet the team opted for a coaching change. Firing a coach with a strong winning record, especially at this crucial point in the season, is remarkable.
Zach Kram: This highlights the franchise`s mishandling of their post-championship period. Losing key players without adequate replacements, internal conflicts, and this unprecedented late-season shakeup of management and coaching staff indicate significant issues. While Jokic remains a top player, the potential dynasty envisioned in 2023 appears to be faltering.
Impact on Denver`s Playoff Chances
Kram: Already skeptical about Denver`s playoff chances due to their weak defense and Murray`s uncertain return, this change further diminishes their prospects for a deep playoff run.
Marks: A month ago, Denver was considered a top contender. However, their recent performance and defensive struggles raised concerns even before the coaching change, making a deep playoff run seem unlikely.
Herring: While these changes might spark a reaction, it`s unlikely to significantly improve Denver`s chances due to the limited time for major adjustments. It actually reduces confidence in their playoff run.
Wright: This move certainly doesn`t help a team still aiming for home-court advantage in the first round. Murray`s injury and uncertain availability already lowered expectations, and firing Malone further weakens their position by disrupting team stability.
Youngmisuk: Denver is now fighting to avoid the play-in tournament. Murray`s healthy return is crucial. If healthy, with Jokic playing at his peak, the Nuggets can still compete. The hope is that interim coach David Adelman can reverse their slump, but a healthy Murray is essential for a deep playoff run.
More Shocking Firing: Malone or Jenkins?
Herring: Malone. His championship win and consistent success over five years are significant. Both firings are shocking, but Malone`s is more so given his recent achievements and the timing, suggesting underlying issues beyond team performance.
Kram: Malone. While Memphis had hinted at changes, Malone`s long-term success in Denver made his dismissal unexpected. He seemed like a fixture alongside Jokic.
Wright: Malone, due to a perceived lack of understanding from ownership regarding the team`s current situation. Denver`s desire to win now clashes with their limited resources, raising questions about a potential larger restructuring.
Youngmisuk: Malone, because championship-winning coaches are rarely fired this late in the season, especially when vying for a high seed. This move might be an opportunity to evaluate Adelman for a future head coaching role.
Marks: Both are surprising. Having experienced a similar situation with the Nets, winning a championship should provide job security, which makes Malone`s firing particularly unexpected.
Impact on Jokic`s Future
Marks: It`s crucial to consider Jokic`s perspective on this decision. Despite his contract, player happiness is vital. The key indicator will be Jokic`s decision regarding a contract extension after the NBA Finals.
Herring: The main question is Jokic`s reaction. Unless Jokic was on board with this change, firing a title-winning coach in the final week of the season is a major risk.
Wright: Jokic`s loyalty, given his long-standing relationship with Malone, makes this situation interesting, especially with his upcoming contract extension eligibility. Ownership`s decision might signal a lack of loyalty.
Kram: Jokic is unlikely to request a trade. However, Malone has been his only NBA coach, so this marks a new phase in Jokic`s career.
Youngmisuk: Jokic is expected to stay. The Nuggets made this change to improve their current season prospects, believing Adelman can enhance the team`s offense and maximize their chances around Jokic.
Offseason Priorities for Championship Contention
Wright: Improving defense and bench depth are crucial. However, limited financial flexibility due to luxury tax implications will pose challenges.
Marks: With a significant portion of the salary cap tied to key players, Denver has limited resources for free agency and trades, restricting their ability to make substantial roster improvements.
Kram: Building a reliable bench is essential to maintain performance when Jokic is off the court. Better free-agent signings are needed to strengthen the team`s depth.
Herring: A significantly improved defense and a more productive bench are necessary. Increasing 3-point shooting volume is also needed to enhance offensive efficiency.
Youngmisuk: The priority must be surrounding Jokic with the best possible supporting cast and coaching to maximize their championship window. Everything else is secondary.
