Denver Nuggets Hire David Adelman Full-Time Following Malone Firing

The Denver Nuggets have officially named David Adelman as their full-time head coach following the firing of Michael Malone late in the 2024–25 season. Adelman, who served as interim head coach for the final three regular season games and the playoffs, led the team to a 3-0 finish and a playoff series victory before narrowly losing in a Game 7 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The decision to promote Adelman reflects the Nuggets' confidence in his ability to restore harmony and improve the team's defense during a challenging season marked by internal discord between Malone and former GM Calvin Booth, who was also dismissed. Adelman has a long history with the franchise and NBA coaching, including a championship as an assistant in 2023, and has been praised for steadying the team during a turbulent stretch. Moving forward, the Nuggets will also focus on filling the general manager vacancy and making key roster decisions to remain competitive in the Western Conference. The franchise appears to be betting on Adelman’s leadership to guide a still talented roster led by Nikola Jokic toward another title run.