The Denver Nuggets moved quickly to solidify their coaching situation after a season that ended with both promise and uncertainty.
With a playoff run fresh in their memory, the organization wasted little time making a decision that will shape its immediate future.
Just four days after their season ended with a Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nuggets reportedly will retain David Adelman.
“The Denver Nuggets and interim David Adelman have agreed on a deal to make Adelman the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN,” Shams Charania wrote on X.
The Denver Nuggets and interim David Adelman have agreed on a deal to make Adelman the franchise's next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Adelman went 3-0 in regular season after taking over for Michael Malone and won a playoff series, leading Denver to one win from the West finals. pic.twitter.com/22ctnfhg4J
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 22, 2025
The swift decision shows how much confidence the front office has in the 44-year-old who stepped into a challenging situation after Michael Malone was fired, along with general manager Calvin Booth, days before the end of the regular season.
Taking over the team, Adelman managed to guide Denver within one win of reaching the Western Conference Finals.
His ability to connect with the roster and maintain their competitive edge didn’t go unnoticed by the organization.
The Nuggets chose familiarity over change, opting to promote from within rather than bringing in an outside candidate.
Adelman has been with the franchise since 2017, working on Malone’s staff and developing a deep understanding of the team’s system. This approach signals the organization wants consistency rather than a complete overhaul.
After winning the final three regular-season games, Adelman led the team through an intense seven-game first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The playoff run ended with a loss to the Thunder in the conference semifinals.
The Nuggets face several important decisions this offseason. Beyond evaluating their current roster, they need to fill the vacant general manager position.
NEXT: Insider Reveals What He's Hearing About Nuggets' Offseason Plans