The Denver Nuggets were on top of the world after winning the 2023 NBA championship. Nikola Jokic was then a two-time MVP, but already earning praise as the best player in the league. Their offensive system wasn’t novel, nor was their defensive scheme. Nonetheless, they were good enough at both ends for Jokic’s excellence to take them over the top.
It’s strange to think that the architect of their roster, Tim Connelly, had left the franchise just a year prior. Seeking a new challenge, the Maryland native flew to Minneapolis to take over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Less than two years later, Connelly’s Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets in a hard-fought seven-game playoff series.
‘Disconnect’ Brewing Between Nuggets’ Michael Malone, Front Office
One would think that these events would have led Denver to fortify their roster.
Instead, the Nuggets didn’t offer their primary wing defender a competitive enough contract to keep him from signing with the Orlando Magic. They struck out on Klay Thompson and Buddy Hield, two of the best 3-point shooters in NBA history. Replacing Reggie Jackson with Russell Westbrook is the only talent upgrade they made, yet Jackson’s a better stylistic fit.
It makes sense then that “for over two seasons… there (has been) a disconnect between head coach Michael Malone and the Nuggets’ front office,” per TrueHoops senior insider David Thorpe.
The Fine Line Between Genius And Delusion
Of note, though Calvin Booth been their general manager since 2020, he’s been Denver’s lead executive the last two seasons. He’s not alone in that ivory tower, as Tommy Balcetis was named as Booth’s assistant in 2020. Ben Tenzer was promoted to vice president of basketball operations in 2023-24. However, Booth is ultimately responsible for decisions like letting Caldwell-Pope walk.
If Christian Braun can play as well as Booth believes, it’ll all be water under the bridge. In fact, he may be characterized as a genius for believing in a readily available and affordable alternative. Julian Strawther will have the opportunity to replace Caldwell-Pope as well. Yet, as Thorpe notes, “long-term (Malone’s) not a coach whose young players tend to make great leaps forward.”
One can argue that Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. are Malone’s success stories. Of course, Murray and Porter were lottery picks, essentially expected to be impact players. Jokic’s generational talent needed to be recognized more than developed. However, Jokic and Porter have made significant strides in an area they weren’t expected to; the defensive end. With Malone catering his offense to them, Murray’s developed a nifty two-man game with Jokic.
Yet, outside of that trio, Denver hasn’t had much success in the player development department. Braun, Strawther, and Peyton Watson have shown flashes but haven’t put it all together. Zeke Nnaji hasn’t had a meaningful stretch of good basketball since he’s been drafted. Malone’s inability to get more out of Bol Bol, a dynamic player loaded with potential, may be his most glaring failure.
The Last Word on Calvin Booth
Booth has been around long enough to know Malone’s shortcomings. However, rather than acknowledge his weaknesses and provide him with veterans that mask them, he’s hoping that Malone suddenly excels in player development. There’s a fine line between genius and delusion, but what side is Booth on?
