In a move that has taken the NBA world by surprise, the Denver Nuggets have appointed David Adelman as their interim head coach, following the unexpected dismissal of Michael Malone. This decision comes just days before the Nuggets’ playoff opener against the LA Clippers on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Adelman, who has been with the Nuggets since 2020 as an assistant coach, steps into the role after leading the team to three consecutive wins, securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. His promotion has been met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts.
In a recent press conference, Adelman expressed his commitment to maintaining the team’s defensive identity while encouraging offensive innovation. “We have a talented roster, and it’s my job to ensure we play to our strengths while adapting to the challenges ahead,” he stated.
The Nuggets’ front office, led by vice chairman Josh Kroenke, has emphasized that the decision to part ways with Malone was due to internal discord over roster philosophy, despite the team’s success under his leadership. Kroenke acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but believes it was necessary to rejuvenate team morale ahead of the playoffs.
As the Nuggets prepare for their playoff series against the Clippers, all eyes will be on Coach Adelman to see how he navigates this high-stakes situation and whether his leadership can propel the team to success.