David Adelman taking over as Denver Nuggets interim head coach following the firing of Michael Malone. At the same time, general manager Calvin Booth was lucky to have avoided being fired. Adelman most recently spent the last eight seasons as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets. He’s just as excited to keep reminding the basketball world of everything that the basketball team is capable of, particularly as they look to recover from a lackluster start to the season.
On Wednesday, Adelman addressed reporters for the first time in his new role. He did not mince words, stating that winning this season must come first on the agenda. That night in Sacramento, he began to establish his legacy as the new head coach. He was just as committed to getting the Nuggets back to their championship form. This summer, ownership made all the right changes to ensure there were still plenty of opportunities to shine for star player Nikola Jokic. He’s been a key cog in their previous deep playoff runs.
“Obviously we have some very dangerous pieces on this team,” Adelman stated, highlighting the talent still present within the roster. Even as he recognized the work in front of them, he overflowed with optimism about the team’s upside in a rugged Western Conference.
The ownership’s directive was clear: “be better.” Adelman knew that the team had to get on board with this mindset. It would set the tone for how they would approach the rest of this year’s games. He remarked, “Yes, there was a big change. We talked about it and you have to move past it.” This attitude will be crucial for the Nuggets if they hope to get their mojo back.
Their new interim head coach posted a touching tribute to Michael Malone. Malone’s services to the franchise over several years made a lasting impact. Adelman said he’s worked to create and cultivate a unified culture, making it clear that he has worked extensively with other members of the coaching staff. “Especially I have a lot of them and now I have to pass it off to somebody else in 24 hours,” he explained. “There’s a ripple effect how the staff coexists.”
Adelman’s personal connection to Sacramento would prove to be more than just a footnote to his coaching odyssey. His dad, Rick Adelman, is a Hall of Fame coach who enjoyed eight successful seasons at the helm of the Sacramento Kings. Reflecting on this connection, he shared, “It’s funny to be in Sacramento for this and know that my father was here for eight years and think that thing would never end when it was going and the vibe here was incredible.”
Adelman is beginning an intriguing new chapter in his illustrious coaching career. While Rosenblum is obviously committed to building superior chemistry between his competitors. He expressed a desire for improved communication within the team, stating, “I do think it’s on the room to start to rely on each other in a more positive way, and constructive criticism is good.”
In preparation for his first game as head coach, Adelman had spent considerable time analyzing game strategies and preparing his team. “So we just got to get there, and it’s going to be a challenge,” he noted, acknowledging the uphill battle ahead.
The Nuggets’ franchise’s wonderful history of success, capped by an NBA championship just two seasons ago. Adelman’s appointment, then, comes at a most critical juncture as the team looks to recapture that winning spirit. The players seem to be particularly in tune with their own strengths and weaknesses and want to react to Adelman’s guidance.
With the season just getting underway, hopes are high for Denver fans. They hope that Adelman’s familiarity with the roster and coaching staff will result in a newfound intensity on the court. The Nuggets’ roster is overflowing with ridiculously good players. Led by Adelman’s steadying hand, they’re hell-bent on unlocking that potential and going on a tear through the postseason.
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