Nuggets Purged Coach Michael Malone a Year Ago

Are Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray better off under new coach David Adelman?

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:08am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors representing the dynamic action on the court.The Nuggets' coaching change has sparked a debate over whether it has ultimately benefited the team's star players and their long-term success.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets parted ways with head coach Michael Malone a year ago, and the team's star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are now thriving under new coach David Adelman. However, the decision to fire Malone has sparked debate on social media about whether it was the right move for the team's long-term success.

Why it matters

The Nuggets' decision to part ways with Malone, who had led the team to the playoffs in four of his six seasons, was a controversial one that divided fans and pundits. With the team now finding success under Adelman, the move is being re-evaluated to determine if it ultimately benefited Jokic, Murray, and the Nuggets' overall trajectory.

The details

The Nuggets fired Malone in April 2025 after the team missed the playoffs the previous season. Adelman, who had been an assistant coach with the team, was promoted to head coach. In his first season, the Nuggets have emerged as one of the top teams in the Western Conference, with Jokic and Murray playing at an All-NBA level.

  • The Nuggets parted ways with Michael Malone in April 2025.
  • David Adelman was promoted to head coach following Malone's dismissal.
  • Adelman is in his first season as Nuggets head coach in 2026.

The players

Michael Malone

The former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who led the team to the playoffs in four of his six seasons before being fired in 2025.

David Adelman

The current head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who was promoted from assistant coach following Malone's dismissal in 2025.

Nikola Jokic

The star center for the Denver Nuggets, who has continued to play at an All-NBA level under new head coach David Adelman.

Jamal Murray

The star guard for the Denver Nuggets, who has also thrived under new head coach David Adelman after the team parted ways with Michael Malone.

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What they’re saying

“Happy Purge Day, David Adelman! You've got seven weeks to change what's left of Xwitter's mind.”

— Sean Keeler, Sports Columnist

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to continue their strong start to the season and solidify their position as a top contender in the Western Conference under Adelman's leadership.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' decision to part ways with Michael Malone a year ago remains a controversial one, but the team's success under new coach David Adelman has led to a re-evaluation of whether the move ultimately benefited star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.