The Denver Nuggets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the injuries that the Wolves suffered, it was a disappointing finish to a season that started with a ton of promise.
Fans have placed the blame on David Adelman. Adelman is in his first year as a head coach. In his first year, he led the Nuggets to the best offensive rating in the NBA. Despite that accomplishment, Adelman’s future has been a topic of much discussion.
ESPN insider Shams Charania addressed his future on NBA Today. Some fans might not like what he had to say.
GettyDenver Nuggets head coach David Adelman reacts during a game. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
NBA Insider Claims David Adelman’s Future with the Nuggets is Secure
While speaking on Inside the NBA ahead of Game 7 between the Magic and the Pistons, ESPN’s Shams Charania clarified Adelman’s future. According to him, Adelman is safe in Denver.
“David Adelman, their head coach, he is going to be back. His job is safe,” Charania said.
Charania made it clear that Denver is not giving up on Adelman after just one season in charge. Adelman was an assistant coach for the team from 2017 until this season, when he took over the head job. That includes the 2023 season when the Nuggets won the championship.
Adelman will have to figure out a reconfigured roster next season. While Nikola Jokic is one of the best players in the NBA, it’s clear that Denver needs some help around him. Once that roster is settled, it will be up to Adelman to get that team to play together.
Leading the Nuggets to a 54-win season in his first year in the league as a head coach is a great start to his head coaching career. He did that despite dealing with a myriad of injuries, including Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson, and Cameron Johnson all missing time.
GettyDenver Nuggets head coach David Adelman reacts during a game. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Denver Could Look to Make Some Trades in the Offseason
Perhaps the best way for the Nuggets to improve the roster is to make some trades. Denver was not over the first apron of the luxury tax this year, so they have some wiggle room to sign free agents, as well. Finding the right mix of players around Jokic will require making some moves.
Jokic will be signing a contract extension with the franchise soon, so that will take care of his future. He wants to win multiple titles in Denver. The Nuggets signed Christian Braun to a massive extension, which doesn’t look great based on his play in the postseason.
Finding the right mix of players and future draft capital to utilize in a trade will be up to the front office. Adelman will take what he learned from his first year and improve on it next season. Improving the defense will be a big focus for him and his staff.
Denver finished the regular season with the 10th-worst defense in the league. Fixing that will be paramount to achieving better success in the postseason.
David Adelman’s Future With the Nuggets Receives Update from NBA Insider