In a move that surprised the world, the Denver Nuggets fired long-time head coach Michael Malone with just three games left in the regular season. Despite occupying the 5th seed in a highly competitive Western Conference with a 47-32 record, the franchise has made this dramatic shift right before playoffs. What makes this decision so baffling is the unexpected timing. Malone has been an important figure in Denver’s recent success and even led the team to its first-ever championship just two seasons ago. Yet, a rough 3-7 patch is all it took to have tested the front office’s patience, perhaps a bit too much. While this seems to be a decision made by Denver’s management, many believe this couldn’t have happened without the owners running it through their franchise player: Nikola Jokić. However, an ESPN insider thinks otherwise.
Several people within the media think that Michael Malone’s firing could have happened without the Joker being aware of it. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes that isn’t the case at all! “I’m also going to say this, you know, I’ve known Michael Malone for 20 years. I have him in my phone as Mike Malone because that’s what I (call him). And I had a long conversation with him earlier this season about the state of things, and it was off the record, I’ll say now, but he was talking about how it’s been amazing to be the head coach of this team for so long.” Windhorst stated in the latest episode of his podcast, ‘Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective.‘ Windhorst suggested that Malone was extremely happy and grateful for his stay in Denver for over a decade.
He further revealed the close-knit bond between the Nuggets’ head coach and the team’s franchise player, Nikola Jokic. “He (Michael Malone) just said what an incredible privilege it’s been to have Nikola, because not only has Nikola been wonderful for the Nuggets, but it’s been wonderful for him. He’s enabled him to get multiple contract extensions, and he’s enabled him to get a ring. And that he’s enabled him to stay and coach and live in Denver while his daughters got through high school.” Windhorst revealed. According to the ESPN journalist, Malone preferred to call the Joker ‘Nikola’ instead of ‘Jokic’, and the two had a great working as well as off-court relationship. Moreover, he acknowledges that Jokic has played a huge role over his tenure in Denver and even enabled him and the franchise to get their maiden championship ring.
Malone has won 471 regular-season games as the head coach of the Nuggets. That’s 39 more than Doug Moe, making him the winningest coach in the franchise’s history. He knows that it’s a feat he wouldn’t have been able to achieve without Jokic’s helping hand. Moreover, he’s also aware of what comes with being a head coach in the NBA. Being the son of Brendan Malone, he knows that staying a head coach for the same franchise for over a decade isn’t normal. “He knows that this is not reality, that coaches typically don’t get six, seven, eight years in a place. So saying all that, he knew in a way he had already incredibly beat the odds. And so I suspect when he does speak about this, which who knows how long that’ll be, that it’ll be an absolute appreciation for Nikola Jokic.” Windhorst shared.
While we wait for Michael Malone to express his thoughts, Denver has a season to finish and Brian Windhorst has a stern warning for the Nuggets.
Brian Windhorst suggests that Denver’s ownership is walking on thin ice
With three games left in the regular season, the fifth-place Denver Nuggets will have to navigate through this without Michael Malone at the helm. Nikola Jokic and Co. will be up against solid teams as they face Sacramento, followed by Memphis and Houston. Interim head coach Davis Adelman is set to take over for the remainder of the season. He is a highly rated assistant coach and everyone thinks he might be all set for his first major stint. He had better be ready because this final stretch could make or break Denver’s season. Moreover, if it does indeed go south from here, no one else but the Nuggets’ front office will be the ones to blame.
Apr 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) takes a breather during the game against the Golden State Warriors in the third period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images.
Brian Windhorst thinks that the Nuggets’ management will have to take precautions. That’s because they have a superstar playing at the peak of his abilities. “You got to be real careful here because he got a superstar in his prime. And I know that he has never done anything but show total focus on winning the next game. But you’re messing with Jokic’s bleep here.” Windhorst said. Jokic has been insane this season. The 30-year-old center is averaging a triple-double! He’s averaging 30 points to go with his 12.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game. That’s a spectacular stat line.
However, when you’ve got a player as good as Jokic, you cannot be firing your head coach just days before playoffs. So, the Nuggets owners should hope David Adelman provides the spark they think he can. Since Jokic’s arrival, they’ve only managed to get one ring, and this is their golden opportunity to grab another championship. More so, because the Joker is playing at his absolute best, and if they don’t do this now, they might regret not capitalizing on his prime. Everything rests on the next three games and how the Nuggets approach the playoffs. Can they go all without Michael Malone, or will everything come crashing down? Only time will tell.
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