Nuggets to retain David Adelman as head coach

Published: Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 7:26 pm

Nuggets Officially Name David Adelman Head Coach After Impressive Interim Run

The Denver Nuggets are sticking with what they know. After a successful stint as interim head coach, David Adelman has been officially named the permanent head coach, according to sources. This decision, confirmed by Nuggets vice chairman Josh Kroenke, comes after Adelman took over late in the season following the dismissal of former coach Michael Malone.

Adelman's performance during his interim period clearly impressed the Nuggets organization. He led the team to a perfect 3-0 finish to the regular season, securing a playoff berth. He then guided the team to a hard-fought first-round series win against the Clippers before ultimately falling to the Thunder in a seven-game battle in the second round.

Adelman's coaching philosophy emphasizes player communication and collaboration. He encourages his players to take ownership on the court, fostering a team-oriented approach. This resonated with the players, including star center Nikola Jokic, who reportedly advocated for Adelman's permanent appointment. Kroenke acknowledged that while they initially considered external candidates, Adelman's connection with the core players was a key factor in the decision. Adelman will now have the opportunity to build his own coaching staff.

The Nuggets are now turning their attention to the front office, with the general manager position vacant following Calvin Booth's departure. The team is taking its time to decide on a permanent replacement. Adelman joins Doug Christie of the Kings and Tuomas Iisalo of the Grizzlies as NBA coaches who have had their interim tags removed this offseason.

BNN's Perspective: While the Nuggets' decision to retain Adelman seems logical given his performance and the players' support, it's also a gamble. The playoffs showed promise, but the true test will be whether Adelman can elevate the team to championship contention. Giving him the reins allows for continuity, but the Nuggets need to ensure they're building a coaching staff that can maximize the team's potential.

Keywords: David Adelman, Denver Nuggets, NBA, head coach, coaching, Nikola Jokic, Michael Malone, Josh Kroenke, playoffs, interim coach, coaching staff, general manager, Calvin Booth, Doug Christie, Tuomas Iisalo, basketball, Nuggets coach

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