With the playoffs just days away, Denver Nuggets vice chairman Josh Kroenke broke his silence in a raw, emotional press conference — defending his decision to fire head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth, and revealing how long things had been unraveling behind the scenes.
🧨 Why Now? The “Masked Trend” That Ended an Era
Kroenke admitted he considered firing both men as early as Thanksgiving, then again near the All-Star break, but held off — most notably during the team’s 8-game win streak before the break.
“Those eight games masked a trend going on behind closed doors… a toxicity that began to affect the team’s fortunes.”
But a flat locker room after an April 6 loss to Indiana — Denver’s fourth straight defeat — was the tipping point.
“I internalized how much I let the room slip.”
💥 Culture Clash: Malone vs. Booth
At the core of the decision were deep-rooted philosophical clashes between Malone and Booth. Kroenke revealed the two disagreed for months over the team’s identity and direction.
“Despite the championship, things weren’t right… There was a lack of cohesion, and that spread through the entire organization.”
💔 “They Didn’t Deserve It”
Kroenke admitted the firings weren’t easy:
“Neither of them deserved it… and for that, I apologize.”
But he stood by the timing:
“So what’s crazier — doing what I did last week, or doing it during an 8-game win streak?”
🧠 Jokic’s Quiet Reaction
Kroenke said he gave Nikola Jokic the chance to weigh in, but the MVP simply shook his head.
“I’d be the dumbest guy in basketball not to ask Jokic. But at the end of the day, these are my decisions.”
🚨 MPJ Trade Rumors? Shot Down.
Kroenke shut down rumors that he blocked a Michael Porter Jr. trade due to personal ties to Missouri:
“Completely false… We’re open to trading anyone if it improves the team.”
🧩 What’s Next for Denver?
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Interim Coach: David Adelman (3–0 since promotion)
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Interim GM: Ben Tenzer
Kroenke said a full executive search will start after the playoffs, but no decision yet on whether the GM or head coach comes first.
🚀 Culture Reset Already Paying Off?
Since the firings, the Nuggets are undefeated, clinched a 50-win season, and locked in home court advantage vs. the Clippers.
“I made this move to rejuvenate the energy of the group… and I think we did that over the last three games.”
💬 Your Turn:
Did Kroenke make the bold call Denver needed?
Should Malone and Booth have had one more playoff run with Jokic?
And who should the Nuggets hire next?
👇 Drop your take in the comments.
