Report: Josh Kroenke takes over Nuggets’ President role following Calvin Booth firing

Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke has been making waves around the NBA community for his 'new role' in the franchise.

Report: Josh Kroenke takes over Nuggets’ President role following Calvin Booth firing

Michael Malone and Josh Kroenke

The Denver Nuggets recently made a huge decision regarding their Head Coach and General Manager. On Tuesday, the Nuggets sacked both Michael Malone and Calvin Booth, sending out a statement to everyone. Per their owner, Josh Kroenke, the reason for these firings was because of ‘the intention to win.’

While the search for Malone’s replacement will be carried out during the offseason, it seems the case for the President will also be the same. The only change as per NBA reporter Chris Haynes is that Nuggets owner Kroenke will be ‘serve as interim president of basketball operations.’ This has surely alarmed the Nuggets fanbase, who already dislike their owner for ‘poor spending’ in the league.

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The Nuggets called the sacking of Booth and Malone as a ‘complete clearout.’ In addition, with 471 regular-season and 510 postseason victories, Michael Malone led the team to its first-ever NBA championship in 2023 and holds the record for most victories in the team’s history. Despite this significant achievement, Malone got booted from the Nuggets.

After being the head coach since the 2015 season, Malone departs Denver. Under Malone, the Nuggets were vying for their sixth straight postseason trip. Under temporary head coach David Adelman, the squad will instead attempt to make a significant push for the postseason and possibly a title. However, it won’t be an easy task with loads of talented franchises competing for the gloried prize this year.

Now with Malone fired, all pressure comes onto their star man Nikola Jokic to lead the team under Adelman’s coaching. One of the main concerns raised by fans is how will the team adapt to the new coaching system in much less time. Also, with the NBA Playoffs on the horizon.

Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke shared his views on Michael Malone’s sacking 

Once Malone’s sacking was announced, it was evident that the Nuggets fanbase would want answers from the management. Fans naturally want to know why this occurred and what Kroenke was thinking at the time. Through the team, he issued remarks regarding both terminations and expressed his unambiguous views.

This wasn’t a decision that was taken lightly, or in reactionary fashion or anything specific. Having observed our group over a very long period of time… there were certain trends that were very worrisome… But they would get masked by a few wins here and there.

Josh Kroenke said

With three games left on the schedule and the team vying for a postseason berth, the Nuggets dismissed Michael Malone. Although they are only 1.5 games ahead of seeds five through eight, Denver continues to have a chance to escape the play-in bracket.

This team may be playing in the play-in tournament instead of having a guaranteed postseason berth, based on how the final three games turn out.

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic opened up on his former coach, Michael Malone’s sacking

The Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has been one of the most influential players for his side over the last 2-3 years in the NBA. Alongside his former HC Michael Malone, Jokic had formed a great ‘winning’ bond, leading his side to the 2023 NBA title. Recently, the Nuggets star shared his views on the sacking of his head coach Malone.

I texted to him. It was a 10-year relationship, so it was heavy day for everybody, probably especially for him and his family. But I would say it’s part of the business.

Nikola Jokic told the reporters
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One could say that Malone helped shape Jokic’s career in the NBA. Seeing him leave the franchise would have surely hurt the Joker, but as he said, ‘It’s part of the business.’ In the end, Jokic and the Nuggets essentially limit themselves to persevering. And Denver accomplished that on Wednesday, defeating the Sacramento Kings 124-116, led by another triple-double from Jokic.