New Orleans Pelicans star reacts to Mike Malone’s firing: “it’s nasty work”
The Denver Nuggets shockingly fired their head coach Michael Malone just days before the end of the regular season.
After 10 seasons as the Denver Nuggets’ head coach and an NBA championship just two seasons ago, the team has fired Michael Malone with just three games to go in the regular season. Malone also led the team to six playoff appearances - seven, if they make it this year, which it looks like they will. He was the winningest coach in Nuggets’ history, with a 798-471 record.
Although the Nuggets are coming off of four straight losses and in danger of falling to the Play-in Tournament, they are still the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. But now their playoff push will depend on interim head coach David Adelman, who was the Nuggets’ assistant coach.
Reactions from NBA stars to the Malone firing
There have been rumors that Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, who by the way, the Nuggets also announced won’t be returning to the team, did not get along well.
Absolutely nuts. Booth and Malone never liked each other, rarely spoke, and talked behind each other's backs. With the team struggling on the court, Nuggets ownership decided to fire both. Insane. https://t.co/BUVS7grQWq
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 8, 2025
“While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone helped build the foundation of our now championship level program, it is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now,” said Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke.
Unfortunate, indeed. Malone himself criticized the Sacramento Kings for doing exactly the same thing to Mike Brown in December, saying they had “no class” and “no balls”. Some people seem to feel similarly about Malone’s firing, including New Orleans Pelicans star C.J. McCollum, who shared his thoughts on social media.
“This league out of pocket man,” McCollum wrote on X. “WTH going on. Firing good coaches right before the playoffs is nasty work!”
This league out of pocket man . WTH going on. Firing good coaches right before the playoffs is nasty work !
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) April 8, 2025
Less than two weeks ago, the Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, who was also the winningest head coach in franchise history, after six seasons with the team.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment