The Nuggets’ ownership misstep should concern fans for the future
This is the last thing the Nuggets needed at this time
For years, the Nuggets have been one of the most stable and drama-free teams in the NBA. They’ve had the same head coach since 2015, a strong core of players who have been together for years, and a front office made up of individuals who rose through the ranks.
By all measures, the Nuggets were a model organization. However, things have started to change in the past year. The issues remained hidden, at least publicly, for a while. Winning, especially with the greatness of Nikola Jokic, can mask underlying problems.
The tipping point came last Tuesday when Josh Kroenke and the Denver ownership group stunned the NBA by firing head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth, effectively cleaning house with only three games left in the regular season.
Why did Kroenke wait so long to make this move?
The most perplexing part of these decisions was the timing. It was clear the situation had run its course, and behind the scenes, things were evidently toxic. Kroenke admitted as much in a press conference, stating that he had wanted to make these changes for a while.
Kroenke mentioned that there were several moments, including the All-Star break, when he almost made the move, but the team’s winning streak convinced him otherwise. While this is a results-oriented business, the Nuggets need to focus on the long-term process, not just short-term success.
The Nuggets have the best player in the world and franchise history, in his prime. They can’t afford to hesitate or be swayed by fleeting regular season victories against weaker opponents. Kroenke was aware of the tension between Booth and Malone and the toxic atmosphere in the locker room. Still, he waited. He should have acted sooner and not wasted precious time in Jokic’s prime.
Ownership’s increased involvement is a major concern
While the Kroenkes have not been perfect owners, they’ve generally been competent, staying out of the way and letting people do their jobs. However, it seems Josh Kroenke is becoming more involved. Hopefully, these recent moves signal a franchise reset and the right people will be brought in to keep things running smoothly.
The worry is that Josh may want to get more involved in basketball-related decisions. History has shown how much damage a meddling owner can do, even with good intentions (e.g., Mat Ishbia).
The Nuggets have thrived due to figures like Masai Ujiri, Tim Connelly, and Calvin Booth—not because of Josh Kroenke. If he doesn’t recognize this, the team could face serious issues. The direction the Nuggets take with their next hire is crucial, and hopefully, it’s the new executive making decisions, not the ownership.
