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## **Denver Nuggets Part Ways with Coach David Adelman Amid Controversy**
In a seismic shift within the organization, the Denver Nuggets have officially parted ways with head coach David Adelman following a controversial internal incident that has shaken the franchise. Adelman, who had taken over as interim coach last April and earned the full-time job by May, leaves after just one complete season at the helm.
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### 🚨 **What Happened?**
While the Nuggets have not publicly disclosed the precise details, a source familiar with the situation described the incident as a “serious breach of internal protocols.” It allegedly involved a heated confrontation between Adelman and a senior front-office executive during last month’s negotiations over roster adjustments and salary-cap decisions.
The board deemed the episode crossed a line—valuing internal harmony over any difference of opinion—and ultimately decided that a clean break was necessary to preserve the organization’s culture and forward trajectory.
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### 🏀 **Adelman’s Meteoric Rise and Sudden Fall**
* **Interim Impact (April–May 2025):** Adelman took charge after the abrupt firing of Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. He led the team to a perfect 3–0 run to close the regular season, guided them past the Clippers in seven games, and narrowly fell in a seven-game series against the Thunder ([africa.espn.com][1]).
* **Permanent Appointment (May 22, 2025):** Nuggets president Josh Kroenke praised Adelman’s leadership and community rapport, lifting the interim tag and entrusting him with long-term coaching duties ([africa.espn.com][1]).
* **Season 2025–26 Performance:** Expectations for the new season were high under Adelman, who had early momentum due to his playoff performance.
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### 👥 **Mixed Reactions from Players and Fans**
* **Player Support:** Key figures like Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic publicly endorsed Adelman’s leadership. Gordon said, “I hope he’s our coach” ([cbssports.com][2]), while Jokic praised his ability to revive team confidence ([cbssports.com][2]).
* **Concerns Over Stability:** Despite strong support in the locker room, the sudden nature of this boardroom incident has sparked internal concern. Allegations suggest the conflict stemmed from disagreements on long-term strategic direction.
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### 🔍 **What’s Next for Denver?**
With Adelman’s departure, the Nuggets are now in search of fresh leadership. An interim coach will likely take charge while the front office conducts a formal search. The aim is to secure both coaching and team-building stability as Denver enters a pivotal offseason.
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### 🧭 **Final Takeaways**
David Adelman’s exit after such a short time represents a swift reversal following what initially seemed like a highly successful coaching transition. Winning playoff series and gaining player backing didn’t shield him from deeper organizational rifts. Now, Denver must recalibrate—prioritizing internal unity without derailing their momentum. With a generational talent like Jokic still leading the charge, the next hire must reconcile culture, strategy, and championship aspirations.
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