Denver Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke disclosed during a recent news conference that he was on the verge of firing the franchise’s most successful head coach, Michael Malone, and the general manager, Calvin Booth, two times prior to their ultimate dismissal last week, with just three games left in the regular season.

Kroenke initially refrained from making any changes in November, hoping the team would come together, and an eight-game winning streak leading into the All-Star break tempered his eagerness to make a decision in February. Despite a solid performance, the eventual firings surprised many in the league, as the Nuggets had secured a playoff berth.

“So, what would be crazier, me doing what I did last week or doing it on an eight-game winning streak?” Kroenke questioned.

He mentioned that only one of the eight wins counted against a playoff team, the Orlando Magic. Furthermore, Kroenke revealed that he considered a change around Thanksgiving when the team’s performance was mediocre but decided against it to allow the roster to develop.

Despite the recent success, a clash of philosophies between Malone and Booth led to an unhealthy environment that ultimately impacted the team’s performance. The Nuggets have triumphed in their last three games since taking on interim coach David Adelman, achieving a third consecutive 50-win season.

Moreover, Kroenke committed to starting a search for new coaches post-season but did not clarify if he prefers to appoint a general manager before hiring a head coach. He noted that he promoted Ben Tenzer to interim general manager for the playoff period.

Kroenke praised both Malone and Booth, expressing regret over their firing, and emphasized the necessity of reinvigorating team spirit before the playoffs.

Additionally, he addressed trade rumors surrounding star player Nikola Jokic, enhancing the importance of gathering insights from him while reiterating the organization’s commitment to improvement.

Overall, Kroenke expressed the challenges of his multifaceted responsibilities within the family’s expansive sports interests, encompassing the Los Angeles Rams and Arsenal FC.

“Last Tuesday was the most surreal day, alternating between challenges with the Nuggets and triumphs with Arsenal, which laid heavy on my mind,” he articulated.