The NBA has seen teams making heroes, and then ripping them off their status for misses. It is a warzone, all fighting for glory, and there is no room for excuses in this highly competitive field. There’s no better witness than the HCs and the players. See Luka Doncic, yesterday’s poster boy, today a burden. That’s how Dallas forced him out. Note Taylor Jenkins, 6 years with the Grizzlies, yet one sudden day ‘thank you for your service’ note landed. And now, with the NBA playoffs just around the corner, the basketball world is in shock. The 4th seed Nuggets have stunned everyone by firing two key figures — Head Coach Michael Malone and General Manager Calvin Booth. But why? What led to this surprising decision from a team that’s been a success story not so long ago?

While the move seems surprising given the team’s success in recent seasons, the decision came amid reports of internal tensions between Malone and Booth. The most talked-about theory suggests that their differing views on team management and player decisions, particularly in terms of roster construction, were a major factor in their departure.

Insider Evan Sidery gave an example, saying, “Malone wanted the Nuggets to re-sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but Booth was ready to move on. Denver’s ownership appears to have reached their boiling point on the constant tensions between them.” Apparently, Malone wanted to re-sign the veteran guard, but Booth appeared ready to move on from the player, opting for a different approach to build the roster.

And that’s not it. Another possible explanation is that the duo couldn’t agree on a contract extension before the 2024-25 season. Despite Booth playing a key role in the team’s title win, his contract was set to expire, and both sides couldn’t reach terms that satisfied them, according to Chris Haynes’ report. Chipping in with his scoop, Kevin O’Connor informed,

“Calvin Booth and Michael Malone never liked each other, rarely spoke, and talked behind each other’s backs.” However, the franchise has remained tight-lipped and hasn’t revealed the exact reason behind their drastic decision.

Who is replacing Michael Malone for the Nuggets’ HC role?

According to the announcement made by the Denver franchise, David Adelman will assume the head coaching role for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The Salem, Oregon, native never made it as a pro but started his coaching journey early in 2002. His first break in the big leagues came with the Timberwolves as an assistant and player development coach in 2011.

After taking a stop in Orlando, Malone’s successor joined the Nuggets in 2017. Adelman’s impressive work on the sidelines led to a chance at the HC job when the Cavs interviewed him last season. Even the Lakers were interested in the 43-year-old before pivoting to JJ Redick. The coaching gene runs deep into the Adelman family. David’s father, Rick Adelman, was a celebrated coach in the NBA with four decades of experience. Now the interim Nuggets coach has big shoes to fill, not only the ones of Malone but also his legendary father.

And with all honesty, the Nuggets didn’t just make a change—they rolled the dice in the middle of the game. Swapping out Michael Malone, the steady hand behind their rise, for David Adelman right before the playoffs isn’t just bold, it’s an NBA standard message. Malone’s era brought a title and toughness, but sentiment doesn’t win rings twice. Now, the Nuggets are betting on a new voice, a fresh edge, and maybe a spark they think was fading. Whether it’s brilliance or backfire? That is for time to tell, but until then, let the answer dribble.