The Denver Nuggets’ decision to fire head coach Mike Malone—three games before the 2024 NBA playoffs—has sent shockwaves through the league. Malone, the mastermind behind Denver’s 2023 championship and the winningest coach in franchise history (471 victories), was abruptly let go despite a 47-32 record and a No. 4 seed in the West. The move has sparked wild celebrations from Lakers fans, draft-day fantasies for the Thunder, and existential questions about Nikola Jokic’s future. Here’s the full story behind the chaos, why rivals are capitalising on Denver’s turmoil, and what it means for the playoffs.
Mike Malone’s Sudden Exit: Why Now?
Legacy vs. Panic: A Franchise at a Crossroads
Mike Malone wasn’t just a coach—he was the architect of Denver’s golden era. Hired in 2015, he transformed the Nuggets from lottery regulars into champions, developing homegrown stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. But Denver’s recent 3-7 skid, including four straight losses to playoff-bound teams like Minnesota and Phoenix, exposed cracks in the foundation.
Injury Woes and Playoff Pressure
The timing couldn’t be worse. Murray is nursing a hamstring strain, Jokic is battling ankle soreness, and the Nuggets’ defense has plummeted to 18th in efficiency since March. Firing Malone now feels like a desperate gamble, akin to “changing pilots mid-turbulence,” as one analyst put it. Critics argue the front office panicked, prioritising short-term optics over Malone’s long-term credibility.
Gilbert Arenas’ Lakers Celebration: Premature or Prophetic?
Arenas’ Viral Taunt: “Lakers’ 18th Ring Incoming”
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas sparked a social media firestorm by donning a Lakers jacket, waving a cigar, and declaring Denver’s downfall LA’s gain. His Instagram caption—“When u realise @nuggets just gave @lakers their 18th ring, it’s a celebration”—mocked Malone’s infamous “Lakers’ Daddy” title, earned after Denver eliminated LA in the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
Why Lakers Fans Are Dreaming Big
The Lakers, currently 9th in the West, are suddenly +500 favourites to land Jokic if he becomes disgruntled, per Bovada. While Jokic is under contract until 2026 (player option in 2025-26), the chaos in Denver has fans fantasising about pairing him with LeBron James. The Lakers’ front office has cap flexibility in 2025, but prying Jokic loose would require a blockbuster trade—likely involving Anthony Davis and picks.
Nikola Jokic’s Future: Will Denver’s Turmoil Push Him Out?
The Joker’s Quiet Frustrations
Jokic has remained characteristically mum, but sources say he was “stunned” by Malone’s dismissal. The two-time MVP thrived under Malone’s system, which prioritized his playmaking and minimized wear-and-tear. With no clear succession plan (interim coach David Adelman lacks experience), Jokic’s loyalty could waver if Denver flames out early.
Lakers, Knicks, and Thunder Waiting in the Wings
Beyond LA, the Knicks (armed with future picks) and Thunder (stockpiled assets) are lurking. Jokic’s free agency isn’t until 2026, but Denver’s instability might accelerate his exit. As one Western Conference exec noted: “If they lose in the first round, all bets are off.”
Thunder’s Draft Windfall: How OKC Could Strike Gold
The Picks That Could Become Lottery Gold
While the Lakers chase Jokic, the Thunder are playing the long game. Oklahoma City owns Denver’s 2024 (top-5 protected) and 2025 (top-5 protected) first-round picks, acquired in past trades. If Denver’s roster fractures post-Malone, those picks could skyrocket in value.
Sam Presti’s Masterplan
Thunder GM Sam Presti, who built OKC’s core through savvy draughting (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren), now eyes another jackpot. A Nuggets collapse would mirror the Nets’ implosion that gifted Houston Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.—a scenario Presti would gladly replicate.
Playoff Fallout: Can Denver Survive Without Malone?
The Immediate Challenge: Grizzlies in the First Round
Denver’s likely first-round opponent—the Memphis Grizzlies—also fired their coach (Taylor Jenkins) last week. The 4-5 matchup pits two rudderless ships against each other, with the winner facing OKC or Minnesota. Malone’s absence leaves Denver vulnerable against Ja Morant’s explosiveness and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s rim protection.
Jokic and Murray’s Health: A Ticking Time Bomb
Murray’s hamstring (labelled “day-to-day”) and Jokic’s ankle (he’s played 78 games) are major red flags. Without Malone’s load management savvy, Denver’s stars risk burnout. As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst warned, “If Murray isn’t 100%, this team is one-and-done.”
Fan Reactions: Social Media Erupts
Nuggets Nation in Mourning
Denver fans flooded Reddit and Twitter with outrage, calling the firing “a betrayal.” Many pointed to Malone’s 2023 title parade speech, where he vowed to build a dynasty. One user wrote, “Fire Malone? Might as well trade Jokic too. This franchise is lost.”
Lakers’ Fans: From Despair to Delusion
In LA, Malone’s exit revived hopes of a LeBron-Jokic superteam. Memes of Jokic in purple and gold went viral, while podcasts debated trade packages. Still, skeptics called it “peak Lakers entitlement,” noting Denver’s 14-3 record against LA since 2022.