Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of the Denver Nuggets, recently made a shocking move by firing head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just days before the team's playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers. This decision was particularly surprising given that Malone was the most successful coach in franchise history, having led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship. Despite the team's success, Kroenke cited ongoing tensions between Malone and Booth as a significant factor in his decision, which he had been contemplating since November. The timing, amid a playoff-bound season, raised eyebrows as the Nuggets had just secured the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.

Kroenke expressed remorse for the dismissals, stating that neither Malone nor Booth deserved to be fired based on their contributions to the team. After a four-game losing streak, he felt compelled to act, leading to the firings. Following these changes, the Nuggets won their next three games, setting the stage for an upcoming playoff showdown. Kroenke's candid reflections highlighted the weight of these decisions and the internal dynamics that ultimately led to such drastic changes.