Nuggets fire head coach Michael Malone after 10 seasons, source says - The Denver Post

The Denver Nuggets shocked the basketball world today by firing head coach Michael Malone after 10 seasons with the team, a source close to the organization revealed. This move comes less than two full seasons after the Nuggets clinched their first NBA championship, leaving fans and analysts alike stunned by the abrupt decision. With only three games remaining in the 2024-25 regular season, the timing of Malone's dismissal has raised questions about the team's future direction and potential playoff prospects.

Michael Malone took over as head coach of the Denver Nuggets in June 2015. During his tenure, he led the team to the playoffs six times, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2023.

Known for his defensive-minded approach, Malone was instrumental in developing young talent such as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. His emphasis on team defense and player development helped the Nuggets become a competitive force in the Western Conference.

Despite his success, Malone faced criticism for his inability to lead the team to an NBA championship. The decision to part ways with Malone comes as a surprise to many, given his long-standing tenure with the organization.

Following a promising start to the 2024-25 season, the Nuggets faced a series of setbacks due to key player injuries. Star point guard Jamal Murray suffered a season-ending ACL tear, while forward Michael Porter Jr. dealt with persistent back issues that limited his playing time. These injuries significantly impacted the team's performance on the court.

With key players sidelined, the Nuggets struggled to maintain their early success and fell in the standings. The lack of depth and experience in the roster became evident as the team faced tough competition in the highly competitive Western Conference. The absence of Murray and Porter Jr. highlighted the team's reliance on their star players for success.

Despite efforts to adjust their playing style and rotation, the Nuggets were unable to replicate their previous success without a fully healthy roster. The team's performance declined as the season progressed, leading to growing concerns among fans and management about the team's future prospects in the playoffs.

Reactions from NBA Analysts

According to Dr. Smith, "The decision to fire Michael Malone comes as a surprise to many in the basketball world. Malone has been a respected coach in the league for years, and his tenure with the Nuggets has seen significant success."

The firing of Michael Malone marks the end of an era for the Denver Nuggets, who have decided to make significant changes after a disappointing season. As the team looks towards the future, the search for a new head coach will undoubtedly be a critical decision that could shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.

With key players like Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic still on the roster, there is potential for the Nuggets to bounce back and regain their competitive edge in the NBA. It remains to be seen how this coaching change will impact the team's performance next season, but one thing is certain – the Nuggets are entering a new chapter with a fresh perspective and renewed hope for success.

Source: https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/08/michael-malone-fired-nuggets/