Malone had been at the helm for the Nuggets since 2015, playing a crucial role in the team’s development into a consistent playoff threat. Booth took over as general manager in 2020, during which the Nuggets were able to have deeper playoff runs than they had in previous years. Their combined efforts led to the team reaching new heights, culminating in a championship victory in 2023.
However, tensions between Booth and Malone had reportedly been building behind the scenes throughout the season. The two had contrasting philosophies on how the roster should be structured. While Malone preferred to make veteran experience the backbone of the team, Booth focused on developing young players. The most notable instance of their ideological differences was their views on the role of guard Russell Westbrook, whose late-game mistakes have cost the team valuable wins during a tightly contested playoff race.
While Malone continued to show tolerance in Westbrook, Booth was one of his strongest critics, and he wasn’t alone. Players within the locker room were also said to be frustrated by what they saw as an ongoing lenience of Westbrook’s missteps, making him a lightning rod of blame for the Nuggets struggles.
Even though the Nuggets came into the playoffs as the fourth seed, the qualities that made them so dynamic wore down throughout their regular season. Defense was struggling, chemistry was strained, and frustration was on the rise. With postseason seeding on the line and five other teams within striking distance of Denver’s position, the organization decided to make a dramatic change.
One source admitted, “The players were freaking’ miserable, man. You could see it. The effort would come and go. I just wish it happened sooner. We wouldn’t be in this mess.”
The decision to part ways with both top decision-makers so close to the playoffs is rare in professional sports and signals deep concerns about the team’s direction and internal dynamics. Players, many of whom have only known Malone as their head coach, were surprised by the move.
“It’s a big change. Coach Malone has been my head coach ever since I got to the NBA,” said forward Michael Porter Jr., expressing the shock he felt throughout the locker room.
While the front office saw this as a necessary course of action, the validity of the decision will be determined by the Nugget’s performance in the playoffs. Will the bold decision serve as a catalyst to turn the dynamics of the team around or as a further hindrance against the cohesiveness of the team? For the Nuggets, it’s a golden opportunity to prove if they can withstand the new pressure.
