Fired Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone shared a heartfelt farewell to the franchise after being let go earlier this week. In Sunday’s issue of The Denver Post, Malone purchased a full-page ad to express his gratitude to his former players, coaching staff, ownership and the Nuggets faithful.
During his 10-year tenure with Denver, Malone accumulated a 471-327 record and delivered the franchise’s first-ever championship in 2023.
Despite the stunning mid-season dismissal — setting an NBA record for the most games coached (79, tied with Hubie Brown) and most wins (47, tied with Larry Brown) before being fired — Michael Malone parted ways with nothing but appreciation for the city and the team.
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“Ten years ago, I was presented with the incredible opportunity to be the Head Coach of the Denver Nuggets,” he wrote. “Little did I know the profound impact that would have on the next decade of my life.”
“To Nuggets Nation, it has been my absolute pleasure to lead and fight for our team every night. To help bring Denver its first NBA Championship is an accomplishment that I will always cherish. I will be forever grateful for the unwavering love and support you showed me and my family.”
Malone ended his message by calling Denver home and expressing how much the role meant to him:
“Denver is home, and being your coach has been my privilege. Thank you, all!”
Michael Malone was fired alongside GM Calvin Booth, with whom he reportedly clashed over roster decisions — a rift that contributed to internal tension within the organization.
Assistant coach David Adelman has taken over in the interim, while Denver is expected to begin a comprehensive general manager search in the offseason.
Jamal Murray reflects on Michael Malone’s impact on him
On Friday, Nuggets star Jamal Murray opened up about Michael Malone’s firing, calling him the only coach he’s known in the NBA.
He credited Malone for helping him adjust to life in the league and said the franchise wouldn’t be where it is without him.
“Coach always has had my back, from a young kid coming up in this league up until now. He’s always rooted for me,” Murray said (per The Denver Post). “Like I said, he always had my back and always kept me in good spirits. … We don’t get here without him.”
He admitted it “sucks” to lose Malone, especially so late in the season.
“He always preached a lot of sacrifice and playing for one another and stuff, but I thought Coach always showed a lot of humility in himself,” Murray added. “Always taking control of the room. Always hating to lose. He was always setting the tone in that regard.”
The Nuggets wrapped up the regular season with a 50-32 record, securing the No. 4 seed in the West and riding a three-game win streak heading into their first-round matchup with the fifth-seeded LA Clippers.
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Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro
