Denver Nuggets Name David Adelman as Head Coach After Impressive Interim Stint

Strategic Insights -

The Denver Nuggets' president and governor, Josh Kroenke, has announced that he is promoting interim head coach David Adelman to the permanent position, citing his impressive leadership and ability to get the most out of the team's core players, particularly Nikola Jokic. Adelman took over as interim head coach last month and led the team to a Game 7 against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs, with significant contributions from Jokic and other key players.

Key Takeaways:

  • David Adelman, 44, has been named the permanent head coach of the Denver Nuggets, after impressing the team's president and governor, Josh Kroenke, during his interim stint.
  • Adelman's leadership helped the Nuggets avoid the NBA's play-in and win three consecutive regular-season games, including a dispatch of the Clippers in seven games and a Game 7 against the Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.
  • Kroenke cited Adelman's ability to connect with the team's core players, including Jokic, and his fresh voice and perspective as key factors in his decision to promote him to the permanent position.
  • The Nuggets faced challenges during their season, including a lack of depth and the exhaustion of their starters, particularly Jokic, who lamented the team's bench and its impact on their playoff performance.
  • Jokic signed a four-year, $214 million extension with the Nuggets in 2022, and his continued success with the team will be crucial to achieving the organization's goal of returning to the NBA pinnacle.
  • The team's president, Kroenke, acknowledged that Adelman didn't have enough time to install his philosophies or make many lineup changes, but appreciated his fresh voice and perspective.
  • Kroenke plans to explore new options for general manager sometime in the future, currently, interim GM Ben Tenzer will continue the job.

Statistics:

  • The Nuggets' regular-season record: 47-35 (.573 winning percentage)
  • The team's recent win streak: 3 games (last regular-season games, Clippers series in 7 games, and Game 7 against the Thunder)
  • Nikola Jokic's contract extension: $214 million for 4 years (2022)
  • Jokic's salary last season: $51,415,938
  • The team's playoff stats this season: 4-3 in games they won, 0-4 in games they lost, 1-7 in overtime

Sources:

  • "Josh Kroenke didn't need to look far to find the next head coach of the Denver Nuggets. All he had to do was take a short stroll from his office." (AP)
  • "Kroenke said he needs more time to decide on a new general manager, but he wanted to name Adelman his head coach now so the organization could gear toward a return to the NBA pinnacle to capitalize on the prime years of superstar Nikola Jokic." (AP)
  • "Jokic made $51,415,938 last season." (AP)