Denver Nuggets Shakeup: A New Era Begins

In a shocking turn of events, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just three games before the playoffs. This decision, announced by Nuggets president Josh Kroenke during a press conference on April 15, 2025, has sent ripples through the NBA community, with many questioning the timing and reasoning behind such a drastic move.

Kroenke revealed that he had considered firing both Malone and Booth on two separate occasions during the season, first around Thanksgiving and again during the All-Star break in February. However, he ultimately hesitated, recognizing the awkwardness of making such a change during a winning streak. “What would be crazier?” Kroenke pondered. “Me doing what I did last week or doing it on an eight-game win streak?”

The decision to fire the duo came as the Nuggets were in the midst of a four-game losing streak and were on the verge of falling to seventh place in the Western Conference. Kroenke admitted that the relationship between Malone and Booth had deteriorated to a point where it was impacting the team’s culture, leading to a divided and paranoid atmosphere within the organization.

“I failed both Cal and (Malone) as a leader because I let certain things slip to a place that they never should have been,” Kroenke said, reflecting on his role in the situation. “I needed to be better for the group.” His candid admission highlights the complexities of leadership in professional sports, where the stakes are high, and the pressure to perform is relentless.

In the wake of this upheaval, Ben Tenzer has been appointed as the interim general manager. Tenzer, who has served as the general manager of the Nuggets’ G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, since the 2023 offseason, will oversee the team until the Kroenke family conducts a full search for permanent replacements after the season concludes.

Kroenke also addressed the future of interim coach David Adelman, who took over following Malone’s dismissal and ended the regular season with three consecutive wins. While Kroenke did not commit to promoting Adelman to the full-time position, he acknowledged that Adelman is “more than ready” for the challenge.

As the Nuggets look to regroup and refocus ahead of the playoffs, Kroenke’s reflections on his leadership and the team’s culture will undoubtedly shape the organization moving forward. With the playoffs looming, fans and players alike are left wondering how these changes will impact the team’s performance on the court.

This significant shakeup not only raises questions about the Nuggets’ immediate future but also serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports, where decisions made in the heat of the moment can have lasting ramifications. As the Nuggets embark on this new chapter, all eyes will be on how they navigate the challenges ahead and whether they can rise to the occasion in the postseason.