Nuggets' Coach Adelman Urges End to Minneapolis Violence

Adelman reflects on unrest in city he once called home, says 'it's really hard to watch'

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman expressed heartbreak over the recent unrest in Minneapolis, a city he previously lived in for five years as an assistant with the Timberwolves. Adelman said the situation is 'really hard to watch' and emphasized the need for unity over political division, commenting that 'it's supposed to be a bipartisan country' and 'let's not shoot each other.'

Why it matters

The unrest in Minneapolis has drawn national attention, with the NBA postponing a recent Timberwolves game due to safety concerns. Adelman's comments provide a personal perspective from someone with ties to the city, highlighting the human toll of the ongoing violence.

The details

Adelman reflected on the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, and the widespread protests that followed. He recognized the neighborhood where the incident occurred from his time living in Minneapolis, describing the aerial footage as looking 'like a war zone.' The first-year Nuggets coach emphasized the need for unity and coming together, regardless of political views.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2026.
  • The NBA postponed the Minnesota Timberwolves-Golden State Warriors game on that same evening, citing concerns for the safety of the Minneapolis community.

The players

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who previously spent five years as an assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2011 to 2016.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old ICU nurse from the Minneapolis area who was fatally shot, sparking widespread protests in the city.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, not politically, but just as a human being. That's really hard to watch.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets (Mile High Sports)

“So it's just, I just hope we can figure it out. It's supposed to be a bipartisan country. Hopefully we can do that, come together, whatever your main political views are. Let's not shoot each other.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets (Mile High Sports)

What’s next

The NBA will continue to monitor the situation in Minneapolis and make decisions about future games as needed to ensure the safety of players, staff, and the community.

The takeaway

Adelman's personal connection to Minneapolis and his call for unity in the face of ongoing violence underscores the broader societal challenges that sports figures are increasingly compelled to address. His comments highlight the human toll of these issues and the need for constructive dialogue to find solutions.