The NBA world was left reeling this week as an unexpected coaching change shook one of the league’s top contenders.
The Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone despite sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Western Conference with only three games remaining in the regular season.
The stunning decision comes as the team appeared poised for another deep playoff run following their championship run a couple of years ago.
NBA insider Brett Siegel wasted no time connecting Malone to what could be his next opportunity, suggesting a potential landing spot that makes basketball sense on multiple levels.
“Keep a close eye on Michael Malone being Gregg Popovich’s successor in San Antonio,” Siegel shared.
Keep a close eye on Michael Malone being Gregg Popovich’s successor in San Antonio.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) April 8, 2025
While Gregg Popovich has missed significant time this season due to health issues, he’s previously indicated his desire to continue coaching the San Antonio Spurs.
Nevertheless, the possibility of Malone eventually taking the reins has generated considerable buzz within basketball circles.
The connection seems natural given Malone’s proven success developing Nikola Jokić, a uniquely skilled big man with passing wizardry and court vision.
Those skills mirror aspects of Victor Wembanyama’s game, making Malone potentially the perfect mentor to nurture the Spurs’ generational talent.
The timing of Malone’s dismissal remains puzzling to many observers.
Coaches with championship pedigrees rarely find themselves unemployed on the eve of the playoffs.
Sources suggest a growing philosophical divide between Malone and the front office ultimately forced ownership’s hand.
Josh Kroenke, rather than choosing sides in the dispute, opted for a clean break.
The Denver Nuggets will now navigate the playoff gauntlet with interim leadership while still anchored by three-time MVP Jokić.
As the dust settles on this shocking development, will Malone find himself courtside in San Antonio next season?
Can the Nuggets overcome this late-season dilemma? The coming weeks promise answers to these pressing questions.
NEXT: Michael Malone’s Old Comments About His Players Is Going Viral
