For a decade, Michael Malone was the voice of the Denver Nuggets. He was tough when needed during their championship run and supportive when Jamal Murray got injured. He championed Nikola Jokic during his MVP seasons, defending him against critics.
After their fourth straight loss, Malone sharply criticized the team`s issues, emphasizing the urgency of their situation.
`We haven`t lost four in a row in a while,` Malone said after losing to the Pacers. `It`s easy to be united when winning. But when losing, can you stick together? Do you have the courage to reflect and improve?`
He included himself, questioning his own coaching performance.
Unbeknownst to Malone, team president Josh Kroenke had been asking similar questions for months.
Malone`s message wasn`t effective anymore. Three weeks prior, after a bad loss to Portland, he had strongly criticized the team.
`It was embarrassing, a joke,` he said. `Eleven games left, and that`s our effort?`
He pointed out poor rebounding and turnovers.
`I don’t think we played with any pride,` Malone stated.
When asked about the team`s reaction to his criticism, he was direct.
`I don’t really care,` he said. `My job is to be honest, even brutally so. Those who are dishonest won`t listen. But those who care might… Nobody reviews their playing time or film. We`ll have to show them. If anyone disagrees, speak up.`
`Nobody said anything. I`m focused on being honest about our performance.`
The Nuggets` performance had declined since the All-Star break, despite being fourth in the West. Team chemistry appeared strained, with visible arguments among players.
The relationship between Malone and GM Calvin Booth had become damaging. Staff felt forced to choose sides. Instead of focusing on maximizing the team`s potential with MVP Jokic, energy was wasted on internal conflicts and trust issues.
`Everyone in the organization was unhappy,` a source said. `Josh sensed it. It was a negative atmosphere. He believed firing both leaders would allow everyone to refocus. Change was necessary.`
Insiders revealed that the conflict between Malone and Booth was toxic and affected the entire organization. Winning had masked these issues for two years, but losing exposed them.
Kroenke decided to fire Malone and Booth late Sunday, sources confirmed. He had considered it before but an eight-game win streak temporarily saved them.
`There were worrying trends, hidden by wins,` Kroenke said. `Winning can cover up many problems in sports.`
He discussed the decision with his father, Stan Kroenke, and Kevin Demoff on Monday.
On Tuesday, players arrived for practice, except Russell Westbrook. Jokic was informed of the firings beforehand. Malone was already packing his office when the team was called to a meeting.
`He told me, “We made a decision,” not a discussion,` Jokic said. `He explained why, and I accepted it.`
Players were informed about the firings in an 11 a.m. meeting.
`It`s disrespectful,` a source said. `Not how you treat a championship coach.`
The timing, with only three games left, was shocking.
`We wanted to maximize the rest of the season,` Kroenke said. `Shake things up and get the most out of it.`
The Nuggets aim for multiple championships with Jokic. Booth believed in building through young players, while Malone preferred keeping the championship core and slowly integrating younger talent.
Malone reportedly resented Booth for not retaining key veterans and suspected Booth wanted to force him to play younger players.
`They had completely different views,` a source noted.
This tension was widespread.
`The situation was unsustainable because Malone and Booth made it personal,` a source stated.
Players questioned if the dysfunction influenced playing time. `If you were Booth`s guy, Malone wouldn`t play you,` a source claimed.
Players, even top ones, reportedly tuned out Malone. `Players were miserable. Effort was inconsistent. This should have happened sooner,` a source said.
Malone`s reluctance to play young players isn`t unique among veteran coaches. However, his resistance to playing Nnaji at power forward, where data suggested he performed better, raised questions about his motives.
`Numbers are better with Nnaji at power forward. Playing him at center exposes him. Who does that make look bad?` a source questioned.
Malone`s decision to start Westbrook over Braun was also criticized, even though the Jokic-Westbrook pairing initially performed well.
`What more does Braun need to do? Malone admitted Braun was great, but he was benched for Westbrook?` a source asked.
Jokic, while publicly silent, was aware of the dysfunction and unhappy, sources said. `Jokic can show his feelings without saying a word,` a source mentioned.
Jokic has always indicated loyalty to Denver. He expressed contentment with their championship, but his agent hinted at possible interest from the Lakers in a social media post.
Despite this, the Nuggets are focused on maximizing Jokic`s prime. `We have the best player in the world, and we take that seriously,` a Nuggets official said.
This urgency drove Kroenke`s decision, especially given Jokic`s upcoming contract extension eligibility and interim coach David Adelman`s potential candidacy for other coaching jobs. Giving Adelman a chance now could help retain him.
`Players respect Adelman and will respond to him. He deserved this opportunity sooner,` a source commented.
Firing both Booth and Malone was about resolving organizational division. Picking a side would have alienated the losing side. Kroenke held both responsible for letting personal issues harm the organization.
`Both are to blame for not getting along. It was ego-driven and affected everyone,` a source explained.
Booth was offered a contract extension but didn`t immediately accept. The offer was later withdrawn as issues worsened.
The Nuggets have a history of developing executive talent but struggle to retain it. Masai Ujiri and Tim Connelly left for better offers. `The Kroenkes don`t prioritize paying front office staff, believing they can replace them easily,` a source stated.
Booth aimed to break this trend, initially succeeding with key acquisitions. Malone received an extension after the title, but assistant coaches and Booth`s staff didn`t, increasing tension.
As contracts neared expiration, pressure grew. `Ownership shares blame for not addressing contract situations,` a source concluded.
Kroenke met with players and coaches after informing Malone and Booth of their dismissal. Adelman noted it was good for everyone to discuss recent underperformance and appreciated Kroenke`s presence.
Kroenke also met with players in Sacramento, emphasizing that he noticed they weren`t having fun or playing their hardest and wanted to rebuild their culture.
During their championship run, the team culture was strong, built on trust and unity. Issues arose after Malone criticized media coverage of Jokic post-Game 1 of the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
Malone`s directness was needed then but became ineffective during losing streaks. His message was lost, and his conflict with Booth overshadowed his coaching ability.
`Contrast Malone`s approach with Jokic`s selflessness and aversion to attention. Eventually, something had to give,` a source said.
The game in Sacramento was a fresh start. Adelman encouraged player communication, and in-game communication improved significantly.
`Communication was our best all year. Players communicated with each other, not just relying on coaches,` Braun said.
Jokic was actively involved in huddles, even drawing plays. `Josh got the response he wanted,` Jokic said. `People see vulnerability as weakness, but it can awaken the beast.`
The Nuggets have limited time to prove this change effective.
