Nuggets' Adelman Confident Despite Inconsistent Season

First-year coach believes in team's potential despite ups and downs

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:04pm

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In his first full season as head coach of the Denver Nuggets, David Adelman has faced plenty of challenges, including injuries and an inconsistent record. However, Adelman remains confident in his team's ability to turn things around and make a deep playoff run, drawing on his experience growing up as the son of longtime NBA coach Rick Adelman.

Why it matters

The Nuggets were expected to be title contenders this season, but have struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. Adelman's ability to keep the team focused and believing in their potential will be crucial as they try to secure a high playoff seed in the competitive Western Conference.

The details

The Nuggets started the season 9-2 and had a top-5 net rating through November, but injuries, including an extended absence for star Nikola Jokic, have led to a slide in the standings. Despite the team's up-and-down performance, Adelman remains confident, drawing on his experience growing up around the NBA and serving as an assistant under previous Nuggets coach Michael Malone.

  • Nuggets started season 9-2 in October and November
  • Jokic suffered significant injury in December
  • Nuggets currently have 7th-best net rating in the NBA

The players

David Adelman

First-year head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who previously served as an assistant under Michael Malone.

Nikola Jokic

Star center for the Denver Nuggets who missed significant time due to injury this season.

Jamal Murray

Veteran guard for the Denver Nuggets who has been a key part of the team's recent success.

Michael Malone

Previous head coach of the Denver Nuggets, under whom Adelman served as an assistant.

Rick Adelman

Longtime NBA coach and father of David Adelman, who has helped shape David's coaching approach.

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What they’re saying

“You can't look at a moment and say, 'Man, if we would've won that game, then we would've won three in a row; then we would've taken off.' You just have to go day by day.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets

“What we have in the locker room, there's no reason for us not to believe. Of course, we're confident. Even if we have a bad game or a bad loss, we just find a way to pick it up and get back to what we do – not let the outside noise affect us.”

— Jamal Murray, Guard, Denver Nuggets

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to build momentum when they take on the Trail Blazers on Sunday.

The takeaway

Despite an inconsistent season, Nuggets coach David Adelman remains confident in his team's ability to turn things around and make a deep playoff run, drawing on his experience and the belief within the locker room.