Michael Malone, Calvin Booth (Denver Nuggets)
April 9
The Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, days before the season ends. Lead assistant David Adelman will step in as interim coach. Malone, who coached Denver to its first NBA title in 2023, had led the team for 10 seasons.
Mounting losses (11-13 post-All-Star break), locker room tension, and a reported “cold war” between Malone and Booth contributed to the decision. Ownership cited “worrisome trends” and underachievement despite championship talent led by Nikola Jokic. Adelman, a long-time assistant, now guides the team into a turbulent playoff push.