In an unexpected and bold move, the Denver Nuggets have dismissed head coach Michael Malone just days before the commencement of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. This decision, which also includes the non-renewal of General Manager Calvin Booth’s contract, has sent shockwaves through the basketball community and ignited widespread debate among fans and analysts alike.

A Decade of Leadership Comes to an End

When Michael Malone first took the reins as head coach of the Denver Nuggets in June 2015, the franchise was in a state of flux. Coming off a string of mediocre seasons and lacking a clear identity, the Nuggets were desperately searching for stability and a fresh direction. What followed over the next ten years was not only a period of immense growth but the most successful era in the franchise’s history.

Let’s take a deeper look into the legacy of Malone’s leadership — a decade that transformed Denver from a rebuilding team into an NBA powerhouse.

First NBA Championship: Making Franchise History

Perhaps the crowning jewel of Malone’s tenure was leading the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023. The significance of this cannot be overstated.

After years of being labeled as playoff underachievers, the 2022-2023 season saw everything come together. Led by Nikola Jokić, who was playing MVP-caliber basketball, and supported by key players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets dominated the Western Conference.

Malone’s ability to create a balanced, unselfish team culture was pivotal. His system emphasized ball movement, trust, and defense — all of which came together beautifully in the postseason. The Nuggets took down the Miami Heat in the Finals in five games, sealing the deal at home in Ball Arena to the ecstatic cheers of a fanbase that had waited decades for this moment.

That 2023 title run wasn’t just about winning a trophy. It validated the slow, methodical rebuild that Malone and the front office had committed to. It was the culmination of trust in player development, smart roster moves, and a consistent coaching philosophy.

Consistent Playoff Appearances: Sustained Excellence

While the 2023 title was a historic achievement, it wasn’t an isolated success. Under Malone, the Nuggets reached the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons, from 2019 through 2025. This consistency is a testament to Malone’s ability to keep the team competitive, even in the volatile landscape of the NBA.

Malone successfully oversaw the growth of young talent, nurturing players like Jokić and Murray from promising rookies to legitimate stars. His trust in development, even when faced with short-term losses, laid the groundwork for long-term success.

What’s remarkable is that the Nuggets remained competitive despite injuries and adversity. Jamal Murray’s ACL tear in 2021 was a potentially season-derailing moment, yet Malone kept the team afloat, even taking them to the Western Conference Semifinals the following season. His rotations, motivational tactics, and ability to maintain locker room harmony earned him respect across the league.

Franchise Record: Denver’s Winningest Coach

Over his 10-season run, Malone compiled a regular-season record of 471-327, making him the winningest coach in Denver Nuggets history.

For context:

  • He surpassed Doug Moe, who previously held the record with 432 wins.

  • Malone reached multiple 50-win seasons, including a franchise-best 58-24 campaign during the 2022-2023 championship season.

  • He also helped Denver achieve its first-ever No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

These aren’t just numbers. They signify a level of trust and continuity rarely seen in the NBA, where coaching changes are often swift and ruthless. Malone’s longevity in Denver reflected not only his coaching ability but also the relationships he built with players, management, and fans.

A Slump at the Worst Time: The Final Straw?

Despite all of Malone’s achievements, the final stretch of the 2024-2025 regular season took a grim turn.

With playoff seeding on the line, the Nuggets dropped four straight games, including frustrating losses to lower-tier teams. What started as a minor skid quickly snowballed into a crisis. The team fell from the No. 2 spot in the West down to fourth, jeopardizing home-court advantage and casting doubts on their postseason prospects.

The offense looked stagnant. The defense, once Malone’s calling card, began to break down. More than that, the energy seemed to be missing — a troubling sign so close to the playoffs.

Reports began to surface of growing tensions between Malone and the front office, particularly GM Calvin Booth. Booth reportedly wanted to see younger players like Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther get more minutes, while Malone preferred to stick with proven veterans. This philosophical divide, combined with the late-season struggles, likely accelerated the front office’s decision.

Firing a coach days before the playoffs is almost unheard of — but the Nuggets’ brass seemed to feel that the team needed a dramatic shake-up to salvage the postseason.

Reflecting on a Legacy

Michael Malone’s departure will surely be debated for months, if not years. Some fans feel it was a rash move, especially considering his championship pedigree and the deep bond he had built with players and fans. Others argue that the team had plateaued and needed a fresh voice to re-energize the roster.

Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear: Malone elevated the Nuggets to heights they had never before reached.

He turned a small-market team often overlooked by national media into a legit title contender and, for one magical season, a champion.

He helped build a culture — of accountability, player development, and belief — that will continue to influence the team’s identity moving forward.

He gave Denver basketball fans a decade to remember.

Looking Ahead: The Nuggets’ Path Forward

As the Nuggets embark on this new chapter, several questions loom large:

  • Playoff Performance: Can the team rally under Adelman’s interim leadership and make a deep playoff run despite the upheaval?

  • Future Leadership: What qualities will the organization prioritize in their search for a permanent head coach and general manager?

  • Player Morale: How will key players, particularly Jokić, adapt to the changes in coaching philosophy and strategy?

The answers to these questions will unfold in the coming weeks, shaping the trajectory of the Nuggets’ franchise for seasons to come.

❤️ Thank You, Coach Malone

No matter how the Nuggets perform in the 2025 playoffs, the impact of Michael Malone will be felt for years.

He was more than just a coach — he was a leader, a teacher, and a builder.

He brought Denver its first championship. He brought pride to a city that had long waited for basketball glory.

And though his time has come to an end, his legacy is far from over.

Thank you, Coach Malone. Denver will always be your home. 🏀🏔️