For Calvin Booth, general manager of the Denver Nuggets, it’s an important inflection point. He’s already deeply involved in creating the team’s long-term vision after capturing the ultimate prize for the first time ever. Booth is the longest-tenured member of the franchise. Ironically, his bare-bones office is worlds apart from his noteworthy success. The office features intimidating black leather couches and stark white walls. It does provide an amazing view of downtown Denver, granting a massive minimalist design that focuses on team-building rather than looks.
As the Nuggets celebrate their first championship under Booth’s leadership, the road ahead is filled with nuance and intricacy. He signed Christian Braun to a four-year, $32 million extension. A rather brilliant move on the strategy board, this deals Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s replacement after he walked in free agency. As he navigates these changes, Booth’s contrasting philosophy with head coach Michael Malone raises questions about the team’s future direction.
A Minimalist Approach in a High-Stakes Role
Booth’s office serves as a metaphor for his philosophy: stripped of excess and focused on results. His ascetic, wall-less decor is intentional, to emphasize his commitment to substance over style. He’s had tremendous success as a general manager. His office certainly demonstrates how he has put tangible outcomes above personal accolades.
That corner office offers an unobstructed view of downtown Denver, a testament to Booth’s ambition for his team. Since being confirmed, he’s raised the bar, personally leading the administration’s decision-making process. He walks the fine line between managing today’s roster and planning for tomorrow with a deft touch. His recent extension of Braun signals a strategic pivot towards younger talent while ensuring that core players remain under contract.
“There’s a fine line — if there’s somebody that he’s played with for a long time, I wouldn’t put that responsibility on him…. But we try to involve him as much as we can.” – Calvin Booth
This quote encapsulates Booth’s extremely collaborative and inclusive management style. Critically, it stresses the need to create effective player bonds and development pathways, while holding players accountable to the team’s goals. In his search for a more competitive on-field environment, his success will rely most on keeping the diverse group of players and coaching staff together.
Navigating Different Philosophies
Booth’s approach so far has been very different from head coach Michael Malone. Booth’s immediate priorities are getting important players such as Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon under contract extensions. He personally chose not to backend-keep Caldwell-Pope. This decision marks a prioritization of long-term, flexible investments over short-term, targeted funding.
The strain between the need to win now and preparing their next wave of talent is crystal clear behind the scenes. Booth is well aware of the need to keep up with the competition after their recent championship win. Along with vision, he understands that sustainable success requires the development of younger players. He explained this duality:
“You want to win, especially coming off the heels of winning the championship. And that’s probably where the tension started.” – Calvin Booth
This noteworthy quote underscores the very fine line between innovation and evolution that Booth will need to walk as general manager. He doesn’t ignore the fact that even though all stakeholders have the best of intentions, the lure of competing demands can shift focus away from common objectives.
The contrast in vision between Booth and Malone can be seen in their takes on the success (or not) of the team. Boone believes that winning requires a veteran touch. He is fond of “juice,” which refers to the effort and excitement players bring on the court.
“I feel like winning the championship is a combination of experience and juice.” – Calvin Booth
This philosophy informs all his decisions. Ultimately, he hopes to create a team that reflects both the highest level of talent and an unstoppable competitive fire.
A United Front Amidst Tensions
Regardless of the division inside, Booth has ensured an impeccable relationship with Nuggets’ ownership, including the popular Josh Kroenke. We’ve seen the strength of their fraternal partnership in joint press conferences orchestrated to present a united front from the commissioner’s office. This open show of stability is intended to assure the public as they all go through these unchartered waters hand to hand, shoulder to shoulder.
Booth’s collaboration with Kroenke is key in creating a collaboration that allows for all stakeholders to be heard. This does not mean that there can’t be disagreement about where the team should go. Malone has publicly criticized aspects of player conditioning, which contrasts with Booth’s more optimistic view of the team’s potential.
“Are you trying to win? Are you trying to develop? I think everybody had the best intent going in. There was buy-in. But I think competition and the focus on that can distract you from the buy-in.” – Calvin Booth
Second, Booth understands the difficulty of fielding a competitive congressional delegation. Yet at the same time, he focuses on building a climate conducive to growth. He knows that success is more than just the short-term wins. It takes more than a title change—it means creating a culture of collaboration and shared purpose.
Conversations around contracts and roster decisions are already in progress. In order for the Nuggets to thrive in a newly competitive landscape, Booth and Malone will need to get on the same page and work in concert.
“I think people in general, they always want more and more and more, but they don’t know what they have.” – Nikola Jokic
This view reflected in star player Nikola Jokic fits in with Booth’s philosophy of getting the most out of a team while knowing what’s working right now. I think Jokic knows exactly what it takes to be the best. He stresses the value of enjoying the ride while still reaching for higher performance goals.
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