In a shocking twist just days before the NBA playoffs, insider Shams Charania reported that the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone. The news has left the league stunned, especially following the Memphis Grizzlies’ recent firing of their head coach, Taylor Jenkins — marking an unprecedented week of last-minute coaching changes.
With the playoffs looming, all eyes are now on David Adelman, who will step in as the Nuggets’ interim head coach.
Who Is David Adelman?
Despite never having led an NBA team as the official head coach, Adelman brings a rich basketball pedigree and over a decade of coaching experience to the Nuggets table.
Basketball genetics run in Adelman’s blood. He is the son of former NBA coach Rick Adelman, who spent 23 seasons coaching in the NBA.
David Adelman got his NBA start working under his father in 2011 as a player development coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. When his father retired in 2014, Adelman remained with the Timberwolves Summer League team as head coach for three seasons.
Adelman then had a one-year assistant coaching stint under Frank Vogel with the Orlando Magic before finding a more permanent home with the Nuggets in 2017.
Since then, Adelman has proven to be an integral part of Denver’s coaching staff and was on the bench during their 2023 NBA Championship run. However, if the past couple of months have taught NBA fans anything, the head coach position is an entirely different animal.
How Can Adelman Lead the Nuggets to the Playoffs?
Despite the unexpected promotion, Adelman is stepping into a challenging situation, as the Nuggets are in a precarious position. Not only has Denver lost its championship head coach, but general manager Calvin Booth has also received the boot from the administration.
It was reported that there was conflict between Malone and Booth for some time. Nevertheless, the team decided to let both of them go.
Now, it is up to Adelman to steady the ship. And despite the challenges ahead, Denver is far from helpless.
The Nuggets still boast a solid roster, anchored by three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, who is a coach in his own right with his immense basketball IQ and leadership.
Ultimately, the last thing NBA teams should do is count the Nuggets out of championship contention. While the abruptness of the coaching change has stirred the pot within the organization, Adelman’s experience with the team can help smoothen the transition.
And, of course, Jokić, by virtue of being Jokić, remains Denver’s ultimate saving grace.