Michael Malone’s departure from the Denver Nuggets stirred controversy because it occurred before the NBA playoffs. Several days after his dismissal, Malone broke the ice, and he sent a message publicly for the first time since his exit.

The Nuggets' abrupt decision marks the continuation of high coaching turnover in the NBA. Popovich, the Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra and the Golden State Warriors' Steve Kerr are the only remaining coaches who have been with their teams since before the 2020 season, per Sportico's Lev Akabas.

These are the coaches who won NBA championships in the last six years: Joe Mazzulla with Boston, Michael Malone with Denver, Steve Kerr with Golden State, Mike Budenholzer with Milwaukee, Frank Vogel with the Los Angeles Lakers and Nick Nurse with Toronto.