In a stunning move, the Denver Nuggets dismissed head coach Michael Malone and announced the departure of general manager Calvin Booth on Tuesday, just six days before the end of the regular NBA season. This comes as a shock as the Nuggets are only two years removed from an NBA championship victory and currently hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
However, a recent four-game losing streak has placed Denver precariously close to the play-in tournament zone. ESPN`s Basketball Power Index indicates a 46.9% chance of the Nuggets falling into the play-in.
With upcoming games against the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies, the Nuggets face a challenging schedule to maintain their playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Our NBA experts delve into the implications of these decisions, examining the impact on Denver`s playoff aspirations and the future of Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP.
The Nuggets` decision to move on from Malone and Booth so close to the season`s end is _____.
Ohm Youngmisuk: It`s shocking but not entirely unexpected. Change felt inevitable, but the timing is surprising. Tensions between Malone and Booth had been simmering, described as a `cold war.` Denver`s recent 11-13 record since the All-Star break and visible frustration from players like Jokic signaled low morale. Ownership felt a change was needed before the playoffs to invigorate the team around their star player.
Bobby Marks: It`s stunning. Despite rumors of potential changes in Denver, no one anticipated it just days before the regular season concluded.
Michael C. Wright: Similar to Memphis firing Jenkins, it`s ridiculous. How can you diminish your chances for another title by firing the coach who led you to a championship just two years ago? This move is unlikely to be well-received in the locker room.
Chris Herring: It`s even more surprising than Memphis` firing of Jenkins, especially given Denver`s recent championship. Jamal Murray`s absence in the last five games offered some explanation for the losing streak, but apparently not enough. Firing a coach with the most wins over the past five seasons, especially in the final week, is a stunning decision.
Zach Kram: This highlights how much the franchise has mismanaged its post-championship period. Key players weren`t replaced, internal conflicts arose, and now they`ve made an unprecedented move to dismantle the front office and coaching staff so late in the season. While Jokic`s presence keeps them competitive, the potential dynasty of 2023 seems to be faltering.
How does this impact Denver`s postseason outlook?
Kram: I was already less optimistic about Denver`s playoff chances due to their 20th-ranked defense and Murray`s uncertain return. This change makes a deep playoff run even less likely.
Marks: Just a month ago, Denver was considered a contender to challenge Oklahoma City. Now, even before these firings, I doubted their ability to advance past the first round due to their recent performance and defensive struggles.
Herring: While it could spark a reaction, it`s hard to see how such a late change can significantly improve Denver, as there`s little time for major adjustments. This move actually reduces my confidence in their playoff prospects.
Wright: It certainly doesn`t benefit the team, especially as they are still vying for home-court advantage. Murray`s injury adds to the uncertainty. Expectations were already lowered for the Nuggets, and firing Malone further hurts their chances by disrupting team continuity.
Youngmisuk: Denver is struggling to avoid the play-in tournament. Murray`s healthy return is crucial. If healthy, with Jokic`s exceptional play, they can compete with anyone. The hope is that interim coach David Adelman can turn things around, but a healthy Murray is essential for a deep playoff run.
Which firing is more shocking: Malone or Jenkins?
Herring: Malone. He delivered the franchise`s only title recently and has an impressive win record. While both are surprising, unless there was a major conflict between Malone and Jokic, this decision seems destabilizing with so little time left.
Kram: Malone. Memphis` issues had been brewing, but Malone`s success in Denver made him seem secure as Jokic`s coach for years. The timing is the main shock for Jenkins, but Malone`s firing is more surprising overall.
Wright: Malone, due to a perceived lack of understanding from ownership. Denver aims to win now but has limited resources for significant changes. This could signal a larger restructuring.
Youngmisuk: Malone, because championship-winning coaches aren`t typically dismissed this close to the playoffs, especially when competing for a high seed. This move might be an opportunity to evaluate Adelman for a potential head coaching role.
Marks: Both are incredibly surprising. Winning a championship should offer job security, especially for Malone.
What are the implications for Jokic`s future in Denver?
Marks: Hopefully, ownership consulted Jokic before firing Malone. Despite his contract, player happiness is key. The real indicator will be Jokic`s decision on a potential $212 million extension this offseason.
Herring: This is the critical question. Was there an issue between Malone and Jokic? This risky move, especially considering the team`s relatively good season, suggests Jokic`s approval might have been assumed. Jokic is low-key, but this is a very unusual move involving a championship coach.
Wright: It will be interesting to see, especially with his upcoming extension eligibility. Jokic and Malone have been together his entire NBA career. Loyalty seems important to Jokic, and ownership`s move might contradict that.
Kram: Probably minimal, as Jokic isn`t known for demanding trades. However, Malone has been his only NBA coach, so this is uncharted territory for Jokic.
Youngmisuk: Jokic isn`t leaving. The Nuggets made this change to maximize this season, believing in Adelman`s offensive system. They will prioritize building around Jokic.
Beyond coaching and GM changes, what`s Denver`s top offseason priority to regain championship form?
Wright: Improving defense and bench depth are crucial. However, limited resources due to luxury tax implications pose a challenge.
Marks: Denver`s salary structure, heavily weighted towards their top players, leaves limited financial flexibility. They have minimal resources for free agency and trades.
Kram: Building a reliable bench is essential. Their starters are strong, but the team collapses when Jokic sits. They need better free-agent acquisitions and development of younger players.
Herring: A significantly improved defense and better bench performance are necessary. They also need to increase their 3-point shooting volume.
Youngmisuk: Prioritizing Jokic and surrounding him with the best possible supporting cast and coaching is paramount. Nothing else should take precedence over maximizing their championship window with Jokic.
