JUST IN: Nuggets Governor Hints at Potential Head Coach Replacement Following Michael Malone’s Dismissal….
Denver Nuggets Governor Josh Kroenke has hinted at who might take over as the team’s next head coach following the recent firing of longtime head coach Michael Malone.
Speaking at his first press conference since the major front office shake-up, Kroenke acknowledged the difficulty of letting Malone go, especially after he helped guide the franchise to its first-ever NBA championship. However, he emphasized the importance of moving forward with a new vision.
While no official decisions have been made, Kroenke hinted that interim head coach David Adelman — who stepped in after Malone’s departure — is a strong internal candidate for the permanent role.
“David’s been with us for a while, and he knows the culture and the expectations,” Kroenke said. “He’s earned the respect of our locker room, and he’s definitely someone we’re looking closely at.”
Kroenke also confirmed that the team is exploring external candidates but stressed the importance of finding someone who aligns with the organization’s values and vision for the future.
The search comes at a critical time for the Nuggets, as the team looks to retool around MVP Nikola Jokic and maximize its championship window.
More updates on the coaching search are expected in the coming weeks.
Read more…
Nuggets Owner Josh Kroenke Talks Jokic’s Support, Westbrook Drama, and Malone’s Firing
Denver Nuggets governor Josh Kroenke addressed several hot topics in his first press conference since dismissing head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. Among the headlines: Nikola Jokic’s lack of All-Star teammates, Russell Westbrook’s impact, and internal team tensions.
Kroenke defended the roster surrounding Jokic, pushing back against the idea that the Serbian star has been unsupported.
“We have the best player in the world,” Kroenke said. “And while Jokic hasn’t had an All-Star teammate, he’s had guys ready for the moment — and not every All-Star can say that.”
He praised Jamal Murray for his playoff performances, especially during the 2023 championship run. Though Murray hasn’t made an All-Star appearance and his regular-season numbers haven’t matched his postseason excellence, Kroenke believes in the current core. Still, with Jokic now 30, there’s an urgency to capitalize on his prime.
Kroenke also addressed reports suggesting tension around Russell Westbrook, denying that the former MVP was a locker room issue.
“Russ has been nothing but a positive for us,” Kroenke said. “He brought a spark we needed.”
However, Westbrook was at the center of a reported rift between Malone and Booth. While Booth pushed for more minutes for younger players, Malone leaned on the veteran — a disagreement that contributed to both being let go before the season ended.
“It was a really tough decision,” Kroenke admitted. “Neither of them deserved it, and I should’ve done better as a leader.”
He revealed he considered making changes earlier in the season but held off when the team surged with an eight-game win streak before All-Star break — a stretch he now says masked deeper issues.
Kroenke also shut down a rumor claiming that forward Michael Porter Jr. was off-limits in trades because they shared a Missouri connection.
“That’s completely false,” he said. “We’ll consider any trade that improves the team.”
Finally, Kroenke announced that Ben Tenzer, previously GM of the G League affiliate Grand Rapids Gold, has been promoted to interim GM. It remains to be seen if Tenzer or interim coach David Adelman will stay on permanently after the season.
