The Denver Nuggets are still upset by the dramatic firing of head coach Michael Malone.
The whole basketball world was speechless when the franchise decided to turn down a relationship with the winning head coach earlier this week.
Michael Malone alongside general manager Calvin Booth, was canned by the Denver Nuggets as the leadership of the franchise led by Josh Krohnke has already earned breakpoints due to two reported “toxic” conflicts within the organization.
The team was upset by four consecutive losses despite the nightly glow of having further influenced the league’s MVP Nikola Jokic, who had further influence on Denver in the remaining days just days before the 2025 NBA playoffs.
From the perspective of former Nuggets leader and legendary coach George Carle, all political parties simply ran the course. Denver has a new beginning to pursue in a short period of time.
Perhaps the closest player to Malone in the Nuggets lineup, Jamal Murray is as shocked as everyone has been about the unexpected exit for Denver’s coach at Mile High City.
The firing occurred when Murray was still stuck in the Nuggets’ recovery room, raising concerns whether he could continue to nurse ankle injuries and return in time for the NBA playoffs.
And after missing the team’s sixth game in the last game, Murray finished with 15 points and seven assists on April 11 in a 117-109 dub against the Memphis Grizzlies in Denver, firing to help the Nuggets score their second victory during their post-Mallone era.
Speaking for the first time since the Nuggets’ late season overhaul, the Canadian star nostalgically reflected Malone’s impact on his career.
“Coach has always had my back from the young kids who come to this league,” Murray said after the game. “He’s always rooted in me.
“He always had my back and always kept me up, so I want to give him the same energy, the same kind of respect.
“We won’t come here without him.”
Over the past few days there have been many whispers about the past developments that have helped Malone and his Denver break up.
Despite being the mastermind behind the Nuggets’ Ascension and Title Romp in 2023, the 53-year-old retains a polarised aura around his team.
It was allegedly claimed that Malone ultimately lost the team’s locker room after the Nuggets’ recent downslide.
ESPN reporter Tim McMahon also provided a major revelation, noting that none of the Nuggets organizations expressed repentance at Malone’s departure.
Nevertheless, Murray believes Malone has demonstrated immense leadership and qualities as a team’s head coach.
“I think he also did an incredible job of setting an example for the group behind us,” Murray said. “He always preached many sacrifices and played for each other.
“But I always thought the coach had shot a lot of humility at himself. He was just controlling the room. He always hated losing. He was always setting the tone on that point.
“So I’m tired of seeing him do that. Especially the way this happened late. But we’re still trying to maintain contact.”