Much like most of the NBA world Tuesday afternoon, Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope couldn’t believe what he’d just read. After 10 years, which included the franchise’s first championship less than two seasons ago, the Nuggets fired coach Michael Malone. “Shocking … Very surprising,” Caldwell-Pope, who was a part of Denver’s 2023 title-winning squad, said in the locker room before Orlando hosted Atlanta at Kia Center. “Especially for me, I didn’t think it would happen. But there’s been a lot going on over there. Who knows. “Especially towards the end of the season, going into the playoffs, I’m just really surprised.”
Source: Orlando Sentinel
Source: Orlando Sentinel
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
David Adelman talks about taking the interim head coaching role following the firing of Michael Malone, needing to change the vibe with the Nuggets, his first game coming in Sacramento where his father Rick was revered, and the conversation he had with his dad ahead of tonight’s pic.x.com/UHljcRdaTy – 8:46 PM
David Adelman talks about taking the interim head coaching role following the firing of Michael Malone, needing to change the vibe with the Nuggets, his first game coming in Sacramento where his father Rick was revered, and the conversation he had with his dad ahead of tonight’s pic.x.com/UHljcRdaTy – 8:46 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“They felt this team needed a jolt to end the season. Going into the playoffs, they want to inject this team with some life.”
@ShamsCharania shares insights on why Nuggets ownership decided to fire head coach Michael Malone, and how Nikola Jokic might respond. pic.x.com/oZ8LIh4ljQ – 8:42 PM
“They felt this team needed a jolt to end the season. Going into the playoffs, they want to inject this team with some life.”
@ShamsCharania shares insights on why Nuggets ownership decided to fire head coach Michael Malone, and how Nikola Jokic might respond. pic.x.com/oZ8LIh4ljQ – 8:42 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
Listening to David Adelman’s press conference after taking over for Michael Malone.
I’m so impressed by him. His words, his professionalism, and his determination during the home stretch of a season. Rooting for him.
Of course, his dad Rick Adelman is a legend in Sac. – 8:41 PM
Listening to David Adelman’s press conference after taking over for Michael Malone.
I’m so impressed by him. His words, his professionalism, and his determination during the home stretch of a season. Rooting for him.
Of course, his dad Rick Adelman is a legend in Sac. – 8:41 PM
Jason Beede @therealBeede
The #Magic will start Cory Joseph, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. against the Celtics on the second night of a back-to-back at Kia Center. – 5:22 PM
The #Magic will start Cory Joseph, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. against the Celtics on the second night of a back-to-back at Kia Center. – 5:22 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Domantas Sabonis talks about the 3-3 road trip for his Kings, getting ready to host the Nuggets in the first game since Michael Malone was fired, and locking themselves into the Play-In Tournament. pic.x.com/CrXIL1skYu – 3:29 PM
Domantas Sabonis talks about the 3-3 road trip for his Kings, getting ready to host the Nuggets in the first game since Michael Malone was fired, and locking themselves into the Play-In Tournament. pic.x.com/CrXIL1skYu – 3:29 PM
Jason Beede @therealBeede
Much like most of the NBA, #Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope couldn’t believe the Nuggets fired Michael Malone:
“Shocking,” Caldwell-Pope, who was a part of Denver’s 2023 title-winning squad, said. “… I didn’t think it would happen.”
More inside: orlandosentinel.com/2025/04/09/orl… – 3:25 PM
Much like most of the NBA, #Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope couldn’t believe the Nuggets fired Michael Malone:
“Shocking,” Caldwell-Pope, who was a part of Denver’s 2023 title-winning squad, said. “… I didn’t think it would happen.”
More inside: orlandosentinel.com/2025/04/09/orl… – 3:25 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On the Suns being on the brink of play-in elimination, and the hard truths that last night’s lifeless loss (and Michael Malone’s firing) revealed about this team: bit.ly/4jdg6CE – 3:16 PM
On the Suns being on the brink of play-in elimination, and the hard truths that last night’s lifeless loss (and Michael Malone’s firing) revealed about this team: bit.ly/4jdg6CE – 3:16 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
The Nuggets have parted ways with head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth.
@TheFrankIsola doesn’t understand the decision just days before the playoffs begin pic.x.com/QiD8ePGyCQ – 1:45 PM
The Nuggets have parted ways with head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth.
@TheFrankIsola doesn’t understand the decision just days before the playoffs begin pic.x.com/QiD8ePGyCQ – 1:45 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the state of NBA coaching after Taylor Jenkins and Michael Malone were fired: “I love our owner (Joe Tsai). I love my GM (Sean Marks) and the people I work for. I’m a positive person, so I’m going to come into work every day thinking that pic.x.com/vyi313RLEU – 12:03 PM
Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on the state of NBA coaching after Taylor Jenkins and Michael Malone were fired: “I love our owner (Joe Tsai). I love my GM (Sean Marks) and the people I work for. I’m a positive person, so I’m going to come into work every day thinking that pic.x.com/vyi313RLEU – 12:03 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
A Suns loss or Mavs win will officially eliminate Phoenix from the play-in. I wrote about how that Warriors beatdown, the Suns’ postgame comments, and Michael Malone’s firing revealed hard truths that have everyone waiting to record the time of death: bit.ly/4jdg6CE – 12:03 PM
A Suns loss or Mavs win will officially eliminate Phoenix from the play-in. I wrote about how that Warriors beatdown, the Suns’ postgame comments, and Michael Malone’s firing revealed hard truths that have everyone waiting to record the time of death: bit.ly/4jdg6CE – 12:03 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Zeljko Obradovic believes that Michael Malone’s decision to make Nikola Jokic the offensive facilitator and ball handler was a game-changer for his career 👏 pic.x.com/LUNmDRVf8i – 11:46 AM
Zeljko Obradovic believes that Michael Malone’s decision to make Nikola Jokic the offensive facilitator and ball handler was a game-changer for his career 👏 pic.x.com/LUNmDRVf8i – 11:46 AM
Dan Savage @Dan_Savage
“We want to treat it like a playoff atmosphere. Come in & play like we would in the playoffs. That’s the mindset we have to have for the rest of the season (&) going into the play-in & then, the playoffs.” – KCP, whose @OrlandoMagic can clinch 7th tonight
nba.com/magic/news/orl… – 10:33 AM
“We want to treat it like a playoff atmosphere. Come in & play like we would in the playoffs. That’s the mindset we have to have for the rest of the season (&) going into the play-in & then, the playoffs.” – KCP, whose @OrlandoMagic can clinch 7th tonight
nba.com/magic/news/orl… – 10:33 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
The Hoop Collective discusses Luka’s return to Dallas — right up until the moment we were rudely interrupted by the Nuggets firing Michael Malone @WindhorstESPN @TimBontemps youtu.be/UnzWj2Mk_W4?si… – 10:21 AM
The Hoop Collective discusses Luka’s return to Dallas — right up until the moment we were rudely interrupted by the Nuggets firing Michael Malone @WindhorstESPN @TimBontemps youtu.be/UnzWj2Mk_W4?si… – 10:21 AM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
What’s next for Denver after firing Michael Malone? 👀
Our NBA insiders debate the Nuggets’ shocking move 👇 spr.ly/6011FQU9P – 8:35 AM
What’s next for Denver after firing Michael Malone? 👀
Our NBA insiders debate the Nuggets’ shocking move 👇 spr.ly/6011FQU9P – 8:35 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Tune into The Starting Lineup with @TheFrankIsola & @Scalabrine!
Michael Malone & Calvin Booth Out in DEN
🏀 Luka Ejected. Returns to Dallas Tonight
Celtics Win in OT
🎙 @bdameris at 8:30am ET
📻 Listen Live: sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive
📱 Call the Show: 855-622-5867 pic.x.com/1Q6iKhzn4x – 7:02 AM
Tune into The Starting Lineup with @TheFrankIsola & @Scalabrine!
Michael Malone & Calvin Booth Out in DEN🏀 Luka Ejected. Returns to Dallas Tonight
Celtics Win in OT🎙 @bdameris at 8:30am ET
📻 Listen Live: sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive
📱 Call the Show: 855-622-5867 pic.x.com/1Q6iKhzn4x – 7:02 AM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
a truly shocking day in the nba. michael malone fired with a week left in the season, luka ejected from one of the best games of the year because he got baited by a fan, and bismack biyombo just attempted a left-handed skyhook from the free throw line. – 12:01 AM
a truly shocking day in the nba. michael malone fired with a week left in the season, luka ejected from one of the best games of the year because he got baited by a fan, and bismack biyombo just attempted a left-handed skyhook from the free throw line. – 12:01 AM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Another great @markkiszla column on the Nuggets’ decision not to spend one more day with Michael Malone and Calvin Booth running things:
denvergazette.com/sports/mark-ki… – 11:33 PM
Another great @markkiszla column on the Nuggets’ decision not to spend one more day with Michael Malone and Calvin Booth running things:
denvergazette.com/sports/mark-ki… – 11:33 PM
Jason Beede @therealBeede
“This was a big win but each game that’s left for us is going to be a big game for us to continue to move in the right direction,” #Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (15 PTS) said. “But tonight, we came up with the intensity that it’s a playoff game for us…”
Full remarks: pic.x.com/3rLd46drvn – 11:08 PM
“This was a big win but each game that’s left for us is going to be a big game for us to continue to move in the right direction,” #Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (15 PTS) said. “But tonight, we came up with the intensity that it’s a playoff game for us…”
Full remarks: pic.x.com/3rLd46drvn – 11:08 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
UPDATED: Phoenix Suns’ Grayson Allen addresses Mike Budenholzer’s season after Denver Nuggets fire Michael Malone (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:03 PM
UPDATED: Phoenix Suns’ Grayson Allen addresses Mike Budenholzer’s season after Denver Nuggets fire Michael Malone (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:03 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Warriors coach Steve Kerr on NBA head coaching profession after the Nuggets fired Michael Malone: “I think one thing that’s happened that most teams are now owned by billionaires, big corporations. So we’re all more expendable. There’s so much money in the business now. There are pic.x.com/KAu5L7NVtx – 9:39 PM
Warriors coach Steve Kerr on NBA head coaching profession after the Nuggets fired Michael Malone: “I think one thing that’s happened that most teams are now owned by billionaires, big corporations. So we’re all more expendable. There’s so much money in the business now. There are pic.x.com/KAu5L7NVtx – 9:39 PM
Cody Taylor @CodyTaylorNBA
Magic have their largest lead of the night, 66-55, following that steal and slam by KCP. – 8:10 PM
Magic have their largest lead of the night, 66-55, following that steal and slam by KCP. – 8:10 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Jordi Fernandez, NBA coaches react to Nuggets’ stunning Michael Malone firing
clutchpoints.com/nba/denver-nug… – 7:58 PM
Jordi Fernandez, NBA coaches react to Nuggets’ stunning Michael Malone firing
clutchpoints.com/nba/denver-nug… – 7:58 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“What is Michael Malone supposed to do?”
@TermineRadio can understand the Denver Nuggets firing Calvin Booth, but doesn’t agree with letting go of Michael Malone pic.x.com/fXvik85BZn – 7:43 PM
“What is Michael Malone supposed to do?”
@TermineRadio can understand the Denver Nuggets firing Calvin Booth, but doesn’t agree with letting go of Michael Malone pic.x.com/fXvik85BZn – 7:43 PM
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
I’ll be live in an hour to discuss Michael Malone’s dismissal and the Denver Nuggets outlook with @SamQuinnCBS.
Join us tonight at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT!
Chat: youtube.com/live/6nsxRVlrC… x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 7:38 PM
I’ll be live in an hour to discuss Michael Malone’s dismissal and the Denver Nuggets outlook with @SamQuinnCBS.
Join us tonight at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT!
Chat: youtube.com/live/6nsxRVlrC… x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 7:38 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
NEW: Inside the Feud between Michael Malone and Calvin Booth in which the biggest loser was the Denver Nuggets.
For @MileHighSports
milehighsports.com/the-michael-ma… – 7:30 PM
NEW: Inside the Feud between Michael Malone and Calvin Booth in which the biggest loser was the Denver Nuggets.
For @MileHighSports
milehighsports.com/the-michael-ma… – 7:30 PM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
On the Nuggets’ shocking decision to fire Michael Malone:
foxsports.com/stories/nba/wi… – 7:25 PM
On the Nuggets’ shocking decision to fire Michael Malone:
foxsports.com/stories/nba/wi… – 7:25 PM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
The Nuggets, currently fourth in the west, fired coach Michael Malone AND GM Calvin Booth, with less than a week to go in the regular season. What in the name of Steinbrenner is going on? Our NBA crew discusses this and other odd moves, in @TheAthletic:
nytimes.com/athletic/62651… – 7:14 PM
The Nuggets, currently fourth in the west, fired coach Michael Malone AND GM Calvin Booth, with less than a week to go in the regular season. What in the name of Steinbrenner is going on? Our NBA crew discusses this and other odd moves, in @TheAthletic:
nytimes.com/athletic/62651… – 7:14 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Mark Daigneault on Taylor Jenkins & Michael Malone being fired: “My reality is more is in this organization with this team. I’ve been here a long time. I’ve felt a lot of support. Mr. Bennett is as steady and impressive and humble of a governor as there is. Sam in the front – 6:50 PM
Mark Daigneault on Taylor Jenkins & Michael Malone being fired: “My reality is more is in this organization with this team. I’ve been here a long time. I’ve felt a lot of support. Mr. Bennett is as steady and impressive and humble of a governor as there is. Sam in the front – 6:50 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Jordi Fernandez reacts to the Nuggets firing Michael Malone:
“The timing, it’s tough with three games to go and the position they are [in] to play for everything. [He’s] a super accomplished coach, a person that means a lot to me and my career. I would not be here without him. pic.x.com/piNaX9rYfC – 6:10 PM
Jordi Fernandez reacts to the Nuggets firing Michael Malone:
“The timing, it’s tough with three games to go and the position they are [in] to play for everything. [He’s] a super accomplished coach, a person that means a lot to me and my career. I would not be here without him. pic.x.com/piNaX9rYfC – 6:10 PM
Jason Beede @therealBeede
I asked #Magic coach Jamahl Mosley about Denver firing Michael Malone:
“It feels all too familiar that we’re saying that as of late … It makes you look at yourself as a coach individually because you have to reflect back…”
Full, lengthy pre-game remarks from Mosley: pic.x.com/TIcxCMMcSi – 5:56 PM
I asked #Magic coach Jamahl Mosley about Denver firing Michael Malone:
“It feels all too familiar that we’re saying that as of late … It makes you look at yourself as a coach individually because you have to reflect back…”
Full, lengthy pre-game remarks from Mosley: pic.x.com/TIcxCMMcSi – 5:56 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Michael Malone’s firing and more beg the question: What’s up with the NBA lately?
@johnhollinger, @davidaldridgedc, @MikeVorkunov and I answered three burning questions about the series of shocking moves that have gone down over the past few months: nytimes.com/athletic/62651… pic.x.com/qWyljSdhbM – 5:49 PM
Michael Malone’s firing and more beg the question: What’s up with the NBA lately?
@johnhollinger, @davidaldridgedc, @MikeVorkunov and I answered three burning questions about the series of shocking moves that have gone down over the past few months: nytimes.com/athletic/62651… pic.x.com/qWyljSdhbM – 5:49 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
I wrote about Denver’s shocking decision to fire Michael Malone and Calvin Booth in the final week of the regular season: theringer.com/2025/04/08/nba… – 5:45 PM
I wrote about Denver’s shocking decision to fire Michael Malone and Calvin Booth in the final week of the regular season: theringer.com/2025/04/08/nba… – 5:45 PM
David Locke @DLocke09
On January 1st if you asked me who had a shot to win the West my answer was OKC, Dallas and Denver. Dallas traded Luka Doncic and Denver fires Michael Malone.
WOW – 5:30 PM
On January 1st if you asked me who had a shot to win the West my answer was OKC, Dallas and Denver. Dallas traded Luka Doncic and Denver fires Michael Malone.
WOW – 5:30 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I’ve criticized the Nuggets plenty today. I think general criticism of their cheapness is absolutely warranted. However:
– They legally couldn’t re-sign Bruce Brown at the price Indy paid him.
– KCP has been bad in Orlando.
– They have at least paid the tax the last three years. – 5:28 PM
I’ve criticized the Nuggets plenty today. I think general criticism of their cheapness is absolutely warranted. However:
– They legally couldn’t re-sign Bruce Brown at the price Indy paid him.
– KCP has been bad in Orlando.
– They have at least paid the tax the last three years. – 5:28 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Injuries and a multi year talent drain is what’s killed Denver. Bruce Brown and Jeff Green one offseason. KCP — who they should have ponied up for — the next. That erosion has cost them chances to compete for more championships. – 1:51 PM
Injuries and a multi year talent drain is what’s killed Denver. Bruce Brown and Jeff Green one offseason. KCP — who they should have ponied up for — the next. That erosion has cost them chances to compete for more championships. – 1:51 PM
More on this storyline
When the Nuggets entered this season, sources told ESPN that there was growing tension between Malone and Booth that grew into a “cold war.” Since the team won the championship, the Nuggets have gone with younger role players such as Christian Braun and Peyton Watson around the team’s core of Jokic, Murray and Aaron Gordon. Veterans such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown left in previous summers during free agency to sign bigger deals elsewhere. -via ESPN / April 8, 2025
Jason Beede: #Magic guards Cole Anthony (left big toe strain) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (rest) are both OUT for tonight’s game at Timberwolves, Jamahl Mosley said. -via Twitter @therealBeede / March 14, 2025
Dan Savage: Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are listed as questionable for the @OrlandoMagic’s road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight on the second night of a back-to-back. pic.x.com/StDR103BKE -via Twitter @Dan_Savage / March 14, 2025