Top 6 Candidates to Replace Michael Malone in Denver
The Denver Nuggets sent shockwaves through the basketball world on Tuesday afternoon, parting ways with longtime head coach Michael Malone and lead executive Calvin Booth.
While the dismissals themselves weren’t entirely unexpected among NBA insiders, the timing was a stunner. With just three games left in the regular season—and the Nuggets battling for the No. 3 seed in the competitive Western Conference—the move raised eyebrows.
With Nikola Jokic performing at an MVP level, the Nuggets can’t afford to misfire on their next coaching hire. They need a leader who can step in and win right away.
Several strong candidates fit the bill—here’s a look at the top options.
Top Coaching Candidates for the Nuggets
1. David Adelman (Interim Head Coach)
Adelman, a Nuggets assistant since 2017, was quickly named interim head coach following Malone’s departure. A longtime NBA presence, he comes from coaching royalty—his father, Rick Adelman, is a Hall of Fame coach.
David has earned respect around the league, receiving votes as one of the NBA’s top assistants in GM surveys and interviewing for head coaching roles in the past. His deep familiarity with Denver’s roster and system makes him a natural fit.
Though he lacks head coaching experience, Adelman could mirror Joe Mazzulla’s seamless transition in Boston after replacing Ime Udoka.
2. Taylor Jenkins
Jenkins’ recent firing by the Grizzlies was surprising given his success in Memphis. With a 250-214 career record—including a 44-29 mark this season before his dismissal—he’s proven his ability to maximize rosters.
A three-time Coach of the Year finalist (runner-up in 2022), Jenkins excels in player development, helping mold Jaren Jackson Jr. into a Defensive Player of the Year and Ja Morant into an All-Star. However, his playoff record (just one series win) raises questions. Still, his strong reputation ensures he won’t be available for long.
3. Jeff Van Gundy
After 17 years away from coaching, Van Gundy has re-emerged as a defensive guru. His work with the Clippers this season—lifting them to a No. 2 defensive rating despite injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George—proves he still has it.
The 63-year-old’s track record speaks for itself: 430-318 as a head coach, a championship as a Celtics consultant (2023), and a reputation for defensive excellence dating back to his Knicks and Rockets days. With Denver struggling defensively (ranked 20th at Malone’s firing), Van Gundy could be the fix they need.
4. Becky Hammon
A WNBA legend and two-time champion coach with the Las Vegas Aces, Hammon has long been considered an NBA head-coaching candidate. Her eight years as a Spurs assistant under Gregg Popovich—plus a Summer League title in 2015—showcase her ability to lead at the highest level.
Though she’s reportedly content in the WNBA, the Nuggets’ opening—and the NBA’s significantly higher salaries—might tempt her to make the jump.
5. Micah Nori
Tied as the NBA’s top assistant in the 2024 GM survey, Nori brings 16 years of experience across multiple teams, including Denver (under Malone). Known for his defensive acumen and sharp in-game interviews in Minnesota, he also has ties to Jokic and the Nuggets’ system.
6. Terry Stotts
Stotts’ eight straight playoff trips with Portland—including a Conference Finals run—prove his coaching chops. Now an assistant with the Warriors, his offensive schemes have helped revive Golden State’s attack.
With a 517-486 career record, he’s more than ready for another head coaching opportunity.
Image - Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn
