According to NBA insider Matt Moore, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic did not request Michael Malone to be fired as head coach.
The Nuggets fired Malone and GM Calvin Booth on Tuesday.
“Jokic did not request Malone to be fired,” Moore wrote. “He was certainly consulted in recent days by ownership to assess the situation, but at no point did he signal a preference for the only coach he’s ever had to be let go. If anything, it’s my belief that Jokic likely responded that he’s a player, and that’s not his decision.”
Malone has coached Jokic since the three-time MVP came to the NBA. The two have a close relationship.
“I don’t believe Nikola Jokic will ever or would ever go to ownership to ask for anyone to be fired, and he certainly didn’t this time,” a source told Moore.
The Nuggets are in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. They are 25th in the NBA in points per game allowed and 21st in defensive rating.
“It is with no pleasure that we announce that we have relieved Michael Malone of his head coaching duties, effective immediately,” Josh Kroenke, Vice Chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, said. “David Adelman will assume our head coaching role for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. This decision was not made lightly and was evaluated very carefully, and we do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA Championship and delivering another title to Denver and our fans everywhere.”
Jokic is averaging 30.0 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists this season while shooting 57.7% from the field, 41.5% from beyond the arc and 80.3% from the free-throw line. He’s universally recognized as the best player in the NBA.
Denver won the 2023 championship against the Miami Heat in six games. Jokic was named Finals MVP.
Malone has the most wins in Denver franchise history. He will likely command a lot of interest on the open market this offseason.
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