Latest on Nuggets’ stunning decision to fire Michael Malone, Calvin Booth

The abrupt firings of Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth took the NBA by surprise, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reporting that the moves were driven by ownership.

Windhorst described the decision to part ways with Malone as “extremely shocking,” noting that such a move late in the season, especially following a championship just two years ago, is unheard of.

“The fact that he Malone not be allowed to have the playoffs to try to deal with it is very, very surprising,” Windhorst said, referencing internal issues such as friction in the locker room and front office.

The decision to move on from Booth, while notable for its timing, was less unexpected. Windhorst explained that Booth’s contract was set to expire after the season, and talks regarding an extension had broken down.

“This was less surprising to the league,” Windhorst noted, adding that it was widely anticipated Booth would not return.

The tension between Malone and Booth centered largely on disagreements over player rotations. Windhorst reported that Booth had pushed for increased playing time for the team’s recent draft picks, including Jalen Pickett, over veteran Russell Westbrook.

Additionally, Booth expressed frustration that forward Zeke Nnaji, despite being signed to a four-year deal, had not received more minutes, and that another free-agent addition, Dario Saric, fell out of favor with Malone earlier in the season.

• The Nuggets’ defensive struggles, particularly during their current four-game losing streak, were also factors in the organization’s decision to make a change. The team’s recent defensive breakdowns had added to mounting frustration within the front office, according to The Athletic.
• The remainder of the coaching staff has retained its positions for now, though all assistant coaches are on expiring contracts, indicating potential changes for next NBA season. David Adelman has been named interim head coach.
• Nikola Jokic, who was informed of the decision before it was publicly announced, had not requested any changes to the coaching staff or front office. However, his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance this season was a contributing factor to ownership’s decision, as reported by Matt Moore of Action Network.
• In an interview on the team website, Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke defended the decision, saying that while the group’s trends were concerning, “they would get masked by a few wins here and there.” Kroenke emphasized that he had been observing the team over a prolonged period before making the move.
• Booth, for his part, responded diplomatically, telling Tony Jones of The Athletic, “I don’t have any regrets. I did my job to the best of my ability.”
• Earlier this NBA season, negotiations between Booth and ownership regarding an extension were said to be close to an agreement before Booth declined the offer, per Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.