In a stunning move, the Denver Nuggets dismissed head coach Michael Malone and announced they would not be extending general manager Calvin Booth`s contract. This decision comes with only six days remaining in the regular NBA season. Just two years ago, the Nuggets celebrated 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. Currently, they are only half a game ahead of four teams tied for fifth place. Statistical models estimate Denver`s chance of falling into the play-in tournament at nearly 47%.
Their upcoming schedule presents challenges, featuring away games against Sacramento and Houston, with a home game against Memphis in between. Memphis themselves recently made a surprising coaching change. The Nuggets will face a tough battle to maintain their playoff position in the competitive Western Conference.
Our NBA experts delve into the key questions surrounding these dismissals, analyzing the implications for Denver`s playoff aspirations and the future of Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP.
The Timing of Malone and Booth`s Departure is _____.
Ohm Youngmisuk: While shocking in timing, it wasn`t entirely unexpected. Change seemed likely, but the immediate nature is surprising. Tensions had reportedly been simmering between Malone and Booth for some time, described by sources as a `cold war.` Denver`s recent performance, losing four straight and going 11-13 since the All-Star break, coupled with visible player frustration, suggested low team morale. Ownership decided the change was needed now to inject energy into the team before the playoffs, especially with a player of Jokic`s caliber.
Bobby Marks: It`s a stunning development. Despite some whispers of potential changes in Denver, no one anticipated it happening just days before the regular season concludes.
Michael C. Wright: Similar to Memphis`s firing of Jenkins, it`s a questionable decision. How can a team diminish their chances of another title by firing the coach who led them to their first championship just two years prior? This move is unlikely to be well-received within the team`s locker room.
Chris Herring: Even more surprising than Memphis`s decision, especially considering Denver`s recent championship. Jamal Murray`s absence in the last five games partly explains the recent slump, yet it wasn`t enough to save Malone`s job. Firing a coach with such a successful recent record, especially at this crucial point in the season, is truly astonishing.
Zach Kram: This signifies how much the franchise has potentially mismanaged its post-championship phase. Key players haven`t been adequately replaced, internal conflicts have arisen, leading to this unprecedented late-season shake-up. While Jokic remains a top player, the `dynasty` potential seen in 2023 appears to be fading.
How Does This Impact Denver`s Playoff Outlook?
Kram: I was already skeptical about Denver`s playoff chances due to their defense, which ranks poorly for a winning team, and Murray`s uncertain return. This coaching change further diminishes confidence in a deep playoff run for the defending champions.
Marks: Just a month ago, Denver was considered a top contender in the West. Now, even before this shake-up, their recent performance and defensive struggles raised doubts about their ability to advance beyond the first round.
Herring: While a coaching change can sometimes provide a spark, it`s unlikely to drastically alter Denver`s trajectory this late in the season. There`s simply not enough time for significant changes in strategy or style. If anything, this move reduces my confidence in Denver`s playoff prospects.
Wright: This change certainly doesn`t benefit the team, especially as they aim for home-court advantage in the first round. Murray`s injury further complicates matters, and Malone`s firing disrupts team continuity, lowering playoff expectations.
Youngmisuk: Denver is in a battle to avoid the play-in tournament. Murray`s healthy return is crucial. If healthy, with Jokic playing at his peak, Denver can compete with anyone. The hope is that interim coach David Adelman can revitalize the team, but a healthy Murray is essential for a deep playoff run.
Malone or Jenkins Firing: Which is More Shocking?
Herring: Malone`s. His championship win and consistent success over the past five years speak volumes. Both firings are surprising, and more details will likely emerge. However, unless there was a major rift between Malone and Jokic, this decision seems destabilizing and difficult to comprehend, especially so close to the playoffs.
Kram: Malone`s. Memphis`s issues and potential change had been hinted at for a while. The timing was surprising, but not the firing itself. Malone, however, seemed like a long-term fixture in Denver, coaching Jokic for years to come.
Wright: Malone`s, due to a perceived lack of understanding from ownership regarding the team`s current situation. Denver`s desire to win now clashes with their limited flexibility and resources. This could signal the beginning of a larger restructuring.
Youngmisuk: Malone`s, simply because championship-winning coaches are rarely dismissed this late in the season, especially when contending for a high seed. This move might be an opportunity for Denver to evaluate Adelman for a potential head coaching role, as he`s been considered for such positions previously.
Marks: Can both be considered equally shocking? Firing a coach after two straight Finals appearances, like the Nets did years ago, is comparable. Both Jenkins and Malone faced injuries to key players and were still on track to lead playoff teams. Malone`s championship should have provided significant job security.
What Does This Mean for Jokic`s Future in Denver?
Marks: A key question is whether ownership consulted Jokic before firing Malone. Despite having three years left on his contract (with a player option), player happiness is crucial. The real indicator will be Jokic`s decision on a potential three-year, $212 million extension this offseason.
Herring: This is the central question. Was there friction between Malone and Jokic? Making such a drastic move with Malone, especially with a team not in crisis, is a huge risk unless Jokic is on board. Jokic is known for being low-key, but this is a highly unusual situation involving a championship-winning coach.
Wright: It`s crucial to consider Jokic`s perspective, especially as he becomes eligible for a contract extension. Malone has been Jokic`s only NBA coach and played a key role in building the offense around him. Jokic values loyalty, and this move might be perceived as a lack of it from ownership.
Kram: Jokic is unlikely to demand a trade. However, Malone has been his coach throughout his NBA career, so this is uncharted territory for the league`s best player.
Youngmisuk: Jokic isn`t leaving Denver. The Nuggets believe this change is for the better, aiming to maximize this season`s potential. Ownership believes in Adelman`s offensive expertise and will focus on building a strong team around Jokic.
Beyond Coaching and GM Changes, What`s Denver`s Offseason Priority for Championship Contention?
Wright: Improving defense and upgrading the bench are crucial. However, financial constraints due to luxury tax penalties will limit their options to mostly minimum contracts.
Marks: With a significant portion of the salary cap tied to top players, Denver`s free agency options are limited to a mid-level exception. Trade options are also restricted due to salary cap limitations and limited draft assets.
Kram: Building a reliable bench that can perform when Jokic is off the court is essential. While the starting lineup is strong, depth is lacking. Improved free agent signings are needed after recent misses, and developing young players is important. The team`s performance drastically drops when Jokic is not playing.
Herring: A significantly improved defense is needed, reducing reliance on an exceptionally efficient offense. Better bench play is also crucial, as reserves struggle when Jokic is off the court. Increasing the volume of three-point attempts is another area for improvement.
Youngmisuk: The top priority is to surround Jokic with the best possible supporting cast, through player acquisitions or a new coaching approach. Maximizing the championship window around Jokic must be the singular focus.