Josh Kroenke fires key Nuggets figures amid playoff tension

In a surprising move that rattled the NBA community, Josh Kroenke, the owner of the Denver Nuggets, decided to fire head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth shortly before the playoffs began in April 2025. The decision came after a frustrating season where the Nuggets, despite being in playoff contention, exhibited signs of internal discord. Earlier in the season, Kroenke had considered making these changes as early as November 2024 but chose to hold off, giving the team time to find their rhythm. An eight-game winning streak around the All-Star break temporarily tempered Kroenke's desire to make personnel changes. However, he noted that this streak masked deeper issues that began to unravel the team's cohesion towards the end of the season. Kroenke commented on the growing toxicity between Malone and Booth that affected team morale and performance as they approached the playoffs. Disturbingly, the situation led to a decline in the winning culture that had previously characterized the franchise. Kroenke expressed appreciation for Malone and Booth's contributions, especially considering Malone's role in leading the Nuggets to their first championship. However, he acknowledged the necessity of change to rejuvenate the team’s energy ahead of the playoffs. Following the firings, the Nuggets managed to win all three games under interim coach David Adelman, securing a third consecutive 50-win season and positioning themselves as the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. As the Nuggets gear up to face the Los Angeles Clippers, the implications of this decision raise questions about the team's future, especially concerning its star players like Nikola Jokic, who navigate the uncertainty of coaching and management dynamics in the midst of a critical playoff push.