The Denver Nuggets are sticking with head coach David Adelman for the upcoming season and beyond, according to team president Josh Kroenke. Making the decision to remove the interim tag from Adelman’s title, Kroenke praised the 44-year-old for stepping in at short notice and guiding the team to a Game 7 against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs. Adelman took over last month after the departure of Michael Malone and helped the Nuggets secure wins in their final three regular-season games to avoid the play-in tournament.
Who is Involved?
Josh Kroenke, the president and governor of the Denver Nuggets, played a key role in the decision to retain David Adelman as head coach. Adelman, who previously served as Malone’s top assistant for eight seasons, has been commended for his ability to connect with the players on a personal level. Superstar Nikola Jokic’s prime years are a major factor in the team’s desire to build towards a return to the NBA pinnacle under Adelman’s leadership.
Why the Decision?
Kroenke’s decision to keep Adelman as head coach was based on the positive atmosphere of accountability and open communication that the coach brought to the team. Despite the limited time to implement his strategies, Adelman’s fresh perspective and understanding of the players’ tendencies were seen as valuable assets. While there were doubts surrounding the timing of Malone’s departure, Kroenke believes that the team managed to exceed expectations under Adelman’s guidance. Looking ahead, the organization aims to maximize the potential of the roster and address the lack of depth highlighted by Jokic following the team’s playoff exit.
What Lies Ahead?
With no draft pick in the upcoming NBA draft, the Nuggets face the challenge of extending their rotation without compromising the core group of players. Young talents like Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, Jalen Pickett, and DaRon Holmes II will be relied upon to make strides during the offseason. The team’s inability to maintain leads in crucial moments has been a recurring issue, emphasizing the need for a deeper bench to support the starters. As the Nuggets prepare for the next season, Kroenke remains committed to building a cohesive unit that can contend for a championship, recognizing the importance of addressing the team’s weaknesses moving forward.
