Nuggets look to reset after Malone firing

What they're saying: "We do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA Championship and delivering another title to Denver," Josh Kroenke, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment vice chairman, said in a statement.

Yes, but: It was Malone's coaching — combined with center Nikola Jokić's borderline ineffable gameplay — that brought Denver its first, and to date only, NBA title in 2023.

Why it matters: Now, the Nuggets could be stuck navigating the playoffs without a seasoned head coach and with an angry and confused fanbase and multiple injured starters.

The other side: "What a weird, dumb decision by [the] Nuggets," Denver Post reporter Kyle Newman posted yesterday on X, expressing a sentiment shared by many NBA insiders.

• "I'm shocked both of them are gone," ESPN NBA reporter Ramona Shelburne said yesterday, referring to general manager Calvin Booth, who also lost his job. She said the two men had no "ideological alignment."

Context: Thrusting lead assistant coach David Adelman into the big job brings a measure of continuity, but it's a dicey move since he has no prior NBA head coaching experience.

What we're watching: The Nuggets are still vying for a high playoff seed in the loaded Western Conference.

• Though they boast an elite offense, they have a mediocre defense. And without Jokić, the team's triple-double metronome, on the court, they turn painfully average.

Threat level: Jokić has three years left on his contract. The clock is now ticking for Denver to find a suitable head coach who can mold one of the greatest players of his generation into a repeat champion.

What's next: The Nuggets visit the Sacramento Kings tonight to start a pivotal three-game stretch that will determine their final postseason seed — or whether they end up in the play-in tournament.

• The NBA Playoffs start April 19.