As playoff positioning solidifies and most teams focus on postseason preparation, the Denver Nuggets organization made the stunning decision to overhaul their leadership—despite sitting fourth in the competitive Western Conference with a respectable 47-32 record.
Behind this unexpected move, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins sees more than meets the eye.
He believes the invisible hand of Denver’s franchise cornerstone may have guided this seismic shift in the organization’s direction.
“This firing doesn’t happen without the okay from Nikola Jokic,” Perkins stated on NBA Today.
Do star players have a say in coaching decisions? 🤔
“[Michael Malone’s] firing doesn’t happen without the okay from Nikola Jokic.”—@KendrickPerkins 😯 pic.twitter.com/I0RBF5sj0P
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 8, 2025
The timing makes the decision particularly puzzling—parting ways with both head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth with just three regular-season games remaining.
While many observers expressed shock, Perkins viewed this development as somewhat inevitable.
He pointed to the team’s inconsistent effort throughout the season as the clearest indication that Malone had lost grip on the locker room.
Throughout this campaign, signs of disconnect became increasingly apparent.
Denver’s defensive inconsistencies stood in stark contrast to their championship form last season, and Nikola Jokic’s visible frustration during games didn’t go unnoticed by league observers.
For Perkins, these signs suggested trouble brewing beneath the surface of the defending champions.
The Denver Nuggets now face the immediate challenge of regrouping under interim leadership while trying to snap their current four-game skid.
They’ll have their first opportunity to right the ship when they face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, with playoff positioning and team chemistry hanging in the balance.
