Nuggets Coach David Adelman Hit With $35K Fine After Fiery Ejection—Can Denver’s 2025 Title Hopes Survive?

DENVER — The Denver Nuggets have made it official: longtime assistant David Adelman is now the franchise’s 23rd head coach, losing the “interim” label he wore during Denver’s dramatic 2025 postseason run, a move first reported by ESPN and confirmed by the team Thursday afternoon. WHY THE NUGGETS MOVED QUICKLY • Continuity: Team governor Josh Kroenke said the front office wanted to lock in leadership early so off-season planning around superstar Nikola Jokić and co-stars Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. could begin immediately. • Locker-room buy-in: Players publicly praised Adelman’s calm demeanor after he guided Denver to a 9-3 finish, including a seven-game first-round victory over the Clippers and a near-upset of top-seeded Oklahoma City. • Familiar voice, fresh ideas: Although Adelman served eight seasons under Michael Malone, he installed more zone looks and staggered the rotation to keep Jokić fresher, changes that paid dividends in April. WHO IS DAVID ADELMAN? • Basketball lineage: The 44-year-old is the son of Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman. • Coaching résumé: High-school championship in Portland, G-League stops in Sioux Falls and Santa Cruz, then NBA assistant gigs in Minnesota and Orlando before joining Denver in 2017. • Player development chops: Credited with refining Murray’s pick-and-roll reads and helping Porter Jr. rebuild his shooting mechanics after back surgery. WHAT’S NEXT FOR DENVER 1. Fill the bench: Jokic noted the team’s “lack of depth” after bowing out in the West semis. Expect Denver to hunt for veteran two-way wings and a backup center in free agency. 2. Defensive identity: Adelman is an analytics believer; opponents shot just 33.1 % from three in his 12-game stint, the NBA’s best mark over that span. 3. Evolve the offense: Look for more high-post actions that maximize Jokić’s passing lanes and free Murray off-ball, schemes Adelman used to shred Oklahoma City’s trap coverages late in the series. REACTION AROUND THE LEAGUE • Nikola Jokić called the hire “a perfect fit,” citing Adelman’s open communication. • Former Nuggets coach George Karl tweeted that the move “keeps Denver in the championship window.” • Western Conference scouts told The Denver Post the promotion was “no-brainer,” pointing to Adelman’s record in clutch situations (8-1 in games decided by five points or fewer). WHY IT MATTERS FOR THE 2025-26 NBA SEASON Denver remains in win-now mode with Jokić at the peak of his prime. By choosing a coach already embedded in the culture, the Nuggets avoid the adjustment period that often derails contenders. Adelman’s challenge: blend tactical tweaks with the championship habits installed under Malone and keep a tight window propped open in an ever-tougher Western Conference. SEARCH-FRIENDLY TAKEAWAYS • David Adelman becomes permanent Denver Nuggets head coach. • Promotion follows playoff surge after replacing Michael Malone. • Focus areas: bench depth, defense, maximizing Nikola Jokić. • Nuggets aim to reclaim NBA title in 2026 under Adelman’s leadership.