Denver Nuggets president and governor Josh Kroenke said Friday that the organization continues to have strong confidence in head coach David Adelman despite the team’s disappointing first-round exit from the NBA playoffs.
Speaking at Ball Arena, Kroenke praised Adelman for guiding the team through an injury-plagued season.
“I have full faith in Coach Adelman,” Kroenke said. “And I think he coached a hell of a season, all things considered.”
The Nuggets finished third in the Western Conference with a 54-38 record before being eliminated in six games by the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.
Injuries plagued Denver all season
Denver entered the playoffs riding a 12-game winning streak but struggled against a Timberwolves team that displayed greater physicality and depth.
The Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon for much of the series because of a calf injury, while Peyton Watson missed all six games with a hamstring injury.
Overall, Denver players missed a combined 245 games last season, including playoff absences.
Kroenke said the injuries prevented the team from fully realizing its potential.
“But we never got a chance to fully show it,” he said, adding that a healthy roster could have produced “a 60- to 65-win team.”
Jokic untouchable, but changes possible
While Kroenke suggested the Nuggets could return with much of the same core next season, he also made clear that roster changes remain possible as the franchise seeks to maximize the championship window around superstar Nikola Jokic.
Kroenke indicated that every player except Jokic could potentially be moved in trade discussions.
Fellow All-Star Jamal Murray was identified as the player who could attract the most interest and return value if the team pursued major changes.
Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, is eligible this offseason for a four-year supermax extension reportedly worth up to $290 million and has signaled interest in remaining with Denver long term.
Front office praised for offseason moves
Adelman took over as head coach after replacing Michael Malone late in the previous season.
Following Denver’s playoff run, the organization restructured its basketball operations department, naming Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace to lead personnel decisions after the departure of former general manager Calvin Booth.
The front office made several offseason additions, including acquiring Cam Johnson in a trade involving Michael Porter Jr. and adding veterans Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to improve depth.
Kroenke credited management for “pressing a lot of the right buttons” during the offseason.
Salary concerns loom
Financial pressures may heavily influence Denver’s offseason decisions.
The team’s projected starting lineup already exceeds $184 million in salary commitments for next season, including new deals for Gordon and Christian Braun.
Denver also faces uncertainty regarding Watson’s future contract value after his strong season.
Tenzer said the organization hopes Watson remains with the franchise “for a very long time.”
Focus on Aaron Gordon’s health
Kroenke also emphasized the importance of getting Gordon healthy after injuries disrupted his postseason runs in consecutive years.
“We have to all look in the mirror and say, ‘A.G., how can we help you?’” Kroenke said. “Because when he’s healthy, we all look better.”