The Denver Nuggets, currently on a four-game losing streak, have dismissed head coach Michael Malone just days before the NBA playoffs begin.
Malone, who guided the team to its first NBA championship in 2023, has faced challenges this season despite the standout performance of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The team has struggled with consistency and now sits fourth in a tightly contested Western Conference, with four teams trailing by just half a game.
“It is with no pleasure that we announce we have relieved Michael Malone of his head coaching duties, effective immediately,” said team owner Josh Kroenke in a statement.
The Nuggets have three games left in the regular season, which ends Monday (NZ time).
According to ESPN, the timing of the decision ties the NBA record for the latest coaching change in a season.
“This was a difficult decision that we approached with great care,” said Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke. “Our sole intention is to give our team the best possible opportunity to compete for the 2025 NBA Championship and bring another title to Denver and our fans.”
“Though the timing is less than ideal, and we recognize Coach Malone’s role in building the foundation of our championship-caliber team, this change is necessary to help us perform at the highest level moving forward.”
Since taking over in 2015, Michael Malone compiled a 471-327 record with the Nuggets. General manager Calvin Booth was also dismissed.
Despite the organizational shake-up, owner Josh Kroenke emphasized that “championship-level standards and expectations remain unchanged for the rest of the season.”
Assistant coach David Adelman will step in as interim head coach for the remainder of the campaign.
