Kroenke Endorses David Adelman As Permanent Coach For Denver Nuggets Following Playoff Performance

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Josh Kroenke, the president of the Denver Nuggets, believes David Adelman has earned the role of full-time head coach. Adelman, 44, was confirmed as the permanent coach after leading the team to the second playoff round. They were eventually defeated in seven games by Oklahoma City Thunder, the top seed in the Western Conference.

Kroenke explained that part of their decision to promote Adelman was to give him a chance to lead. "He's grown with the group and he understands their tendencies as players," Kroenke stated, according to ESPN. He emphasized that Adelman's understanding of players as individuals is crucial for future success.

Adelman had been an assistant coach with the Nuggets for eight years before stepping up when Michael Malone was dismissed just before the playoffs. This change marked one of the latest in-season coaching shifts in NBA history. Kroenke noted that bringing someone from outside might have disrupted existing relationships within the team.

The decision to appoint Adelman permanently was announced on May 22, 2025, via a tweet from the Denver Nuggets:

Kroenke acknowledged some confusion regarding their decision-making process and its timing but expressed pride in how the team united during challenging times. He felt they achieved more than expected given their trajectory six weeks prior. The Nuggets have faced difficulties in maintaining leads during crucial playoff games.

Nikola Jokic, a key player for the Nuggets, refrained from commenting directly on coaching decisions but hinted at depth issues affecting their playoff performance. The team has lost significant leads in Game 7 of semi-finals for two consecutive years.

Addressing Team Depth Concerns

Kroenke responded to Jokic's remarks about depth concerns by acknowledging them. "I heard Jokic's comments loud and clear," he said. Kroenke admitted he shared similar thoughts even before Jokic voiced them. The reliance on key players for extended minutes can be taxing during seven-game series.

The appointment of David Adelman as head coach marks a new chapter for the Denver Nuggets. With his deep understanding of both player dynamics and individual personalities, there is optimism about maximizing team potential moving forward.