Following a disappointing end to the Denver Nuggets’ season, team president Josh Kroenke addressed the media in a wide-ranging press conference, opening up about what he believes went wrong for the once-promising squad.
“We lost our identity,” Kroenke said candidly. “The chemistry, the hunger, the unselfishness that defined us — somewhere along the way, that slipped.”
The Nuggets, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after an inconsistent regular season, have faced heavy criticism in recent weeks. Kroenke acknowledged both on- and off-court issues, including injuries, locker room tension, and a failure to adapt to evolving competition.
“It wasn’t just one thing,” he explained. “We had stretches of brilliance, but we couldn’t sustain it. Injuries tested our depth, and we didn’t respond well enough to adversity.”
Kroenke’s remarks come just days after the firings of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, signaling a major organizational reset.
“Accountability starts at the top,” Kroenke said. “We’re not blowing it up, but we’re realigning. We owe it to our fans, and especially to players like Nikola [Jokić], to build a team that can contend every year.”
Kroenke also hinted at cultural changes, noting a need to bring back the grit and cohesion that powered the Nuggets to a championship just two seasons ago.
As the franchise begins its search for new leadership, Kroenke reassured fans: “We’re not done. We’re just getting started on the next chapter.”
