Denver Nuggets Shock the NBA: Coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth Fired Days Before Playoffs

April 9, 2025

New York, NY — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Denver Nuggets made the surprising decision to fire head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just days before the playoffs. This stunning development comes despite Malone leading the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA Championship, and it’s further compounded by the timing — with just three games remaining in the regular season.

Currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference with a 47-32 record, the Nuggets are firmly in the playoff hunt. However, the organization decided to make a bold change ahead of the postseason. David Adelman, previously an assistant under Malone, has been named the interim head coach, with the team looking to rally for the playoffs.

Joe Mazzulla’s Reaction: Coaching Stability and NBA Reality

As news of the firing broke, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, whose team was preparing for a game against the New York Knicks, reflected on the nature of coaching in the NBA. Mazzulla, who himself is in just his second season as head coach of the Celtics, emphasized the rare longevity of coaches like Malone.

“Ten years is a lot,” Mazzulla said. “You hope for situations like that. You hope to have stability and be somewhere for as long as you can. Not many coaches get that opportunity. I think there’s only two or three left now: Gregg Popovich, Erik Spoelstra, and Steve Kerr. You really have to appreciate that.”

Mazzulla’s words speak to the reality of NBA coaching, where job security is never guaranteed, no matter past successes or tenure.

Another Shocking Firing: Grizzlies Part Ways with Taylor Jenkins

The decision to part ways with Malone comes shortly after the Memphis Grizzlies made a similar move by firing coach Taylor Jenkins right before the playoffs. Jenkins, like Malone, had led his team through challenging circumstances, including key injuries, but was dismissed as the season neared its end.

These firings serve as a stark reminder of the ever-changing and often unpredictable nature of coaching in the NBA. For Malone, the firing is particularly surprising given that he became the Nuggets’ all-time winningest coach earlier this season, after guiding the team to its first-ever NBA title in 2023.

Nikola Jokic’s MVP Season: A Bright Spot Amidst Uncertainty

Despite the coaching shakeup, the Nuggets still boast one of the league’s top players in Nikola Jokic, who is putting together an MVP-caliber season. However, the team has faced struggles in recent weeks, which may have contributed to the decision to make a change as the playoffs approach.

With the postseason looming large, Adelman will now be tasked with steering the Nuggets through the final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. It will be a test of resilience for a team with championship aspirations, but also a squad that has faced growing challenges.

Mazzulla on Coaching Mortality: A Constant Reminder of NBA Realities

Mazzulla’s reflections on NBA coaching also underline the precarious nature of the profession. In an interview with the media, he noted, “It’s part of what motivates me, but I wake up every day saying this is going to be my last day. You have to have that perspective, because it gives you gratitude and keeps you hungry. Every day, I remind myself of my own mortality, and that helps me stay focused and grounded.”

Mazzulla’s words echo a truth that many coaches in the league must come to terms with: no one is safe, no matter how successful they may be. The NBA’s high-pressure environment ensures that every day brings new challenges, and the seat of a head coach can feel like it’s always on the verge of being replaced.

Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Moment for the Nuggets

The Nuggets now face a crucial moment in their season. As the playoffs draw near, David Adelman will need to quickly adapt and guide the team through what promises to be a tense and competitive postseason. For the Nuggets’ star player Nikola Jokic and his teammates, the focus will be on overcoming the turmoil of the coaching change and proving their championship pedigree.