After years of struggle, the Denver Nuggets finally reached the pinnacle of basketball, winning their first NBA championship in 2023 under the leadership of Nikola Jokić.
With two consecutive MVP titles and a roster in its prime, Denver entered the 2023-24 season as the favorites to win it all again. However, things didn’t go as planned.
The Nuggets lost the No. 1 seed to the San Antonio Spurs and, despite demolishing the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, they were eliminated by the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves in a grueling seven-game series. With their title defense over, Denver’s offseason became the next area of concern, and the situation has only worsened.
Malone and the Front Office at Odds
The latest reports indicate a troubling rift between head coach Michael Malone and the Nuggets’ front office. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the two parties “aren’t exactly seeing eye to eye… to a degree even unusual for the NBA.” For Nuggets fans, this is alarming news. Malone, known for his fiery personality, has become a beloved figure in Denver. His outspoken nature has made him a fan favorite, whether he’s taking shots at LeBron James or declaring Denver’s potential for a repeat championship.
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However, this discord could have severe consequences. Malone’s track record speaks for itself, and should he leave, many teams would line up to hire him immediately. For a Denver squad that just hoisted its first Larry O’Brien trophy, losing Malone could be devastating.
Lack of Spending Hurting the Team
One potential source of the conflict between Malone and the front office could be the team’s lack of spending. Historically, the Denver ownership group has been hesitant to splurge on player salaries, and it’s starting to show.
Since winning the championship, the Nuggets have lost key contributors like Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency without making adequate replacements.
This summer, Denver brought in Russell Westbrook to fill a backup point guard role. However, Westbrook’s inconsistent shooting and questionable fit with Jokić and Jamal Murray have raised doubts about his ability to contribute.
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For Malone, who watched his wing depth vanish over two seasons, the frustration is understandable. The team’s reluctance to spend on quality replacements may be a key factor in the growing tension within the organization. As the Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, the uncertainty surrounding their coaching situation and roster depth looms large.
While Jokić and Murray remain at the center of the team’s success, it remains to be seen whether Malone will stick around to lead them—or whether Denver will soon find itself without the coach who helped bring the franchise its only NBA championship.
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