Unlock the Shocking Secret Hidden Within This Untitled Story—You Won’t Believe What Happens Next!

Can you imagine getting the boot from your team with just three games left before the playoffs—especially when your squad’s sitting pretty in the standings? That’s exactly what happened to Michael Malone, the Denver Nuggets’ head coach, in a move that left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. Malone, who masterminded Denver’s rise from underdogs to 2023 NBA champions, suddenly swapped the sidelines for the broadcast booth. Now, as he gears up to join ESPN’s NBA Countdown full-time, we’re left wondering: Did the Nuggets just trade a championship-winning coach for a new voice on TV? Let’s dive into how Malone’s unexpected career pivot unfolded—and what it means for both him and the Nuggets moving forward.

The Denver Nuggets shocked the basketball world by firing head coach Michael Malone with just three games remaining before the 2024-25 playoffs.

The unexpected decision surprised nearly everyone, considering Denver’s solid record and secure fourth-place position in the Eastern Conference.

The Nuggets even maintained an outside chance at climbing to third place when the dismissal occurred.

Malone remained visible throughout the postseason, serving as an NBA analyst on ESPN’s playoff coverage and drawing widespread speculation about a potential coaching return.

Instead of pursuing another coaching opportunity, Malone has committed fully to broadcasting.

ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro confirmed Wednesday, per Yahoo Sports, that Malone will join NBA Countdown as a full-time analyst for the 2025-26 season.

Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will be joining ESPN’s NBA Countdown pregame show on a full-time basis for the 2025-26 season, network president Jimmy Pitaro announced. pic.twitter.com/sW9eetm44x

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 17, 2025

Following Malone’s departure, Denver promoted David Adelman to interim coach before officially hiring him as the permanent replacement after a second-round playoff exit.

Malone proved surprisingly effective during ESPN’s 2025 playoff coverage, displaying the same basketball insight that earned respect during his coaching career.

While many former coaches struggle with the broadcasting transition, Malone appeared completely comfortable behind the microphone.

For Nuggets fans, seeing their former coach on television instead of the sideline remains jarring.

His firing shocked many, considering his significant impact on Denver’s franchise transformation.

Since joining the organization in 2015-16, Malone steadily rebuilt the team and reached 46 wins by his third season.

Most notably, Malone guided Denver to its first championship in 2023, cementing his status among the franchise’s most influential figures.

His development work with Nikola Jokic proved transformative, helping the center become the cornerstone of a title-winning team.

While Denver’s front office now turns to Adelman, hoping for another championship run, Malone’s legacy remains secure.

Whether he returns to coaching after the 2025-26 broadcasting season stays an open question.

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