Denver Nuggets Overhaul Coaching Staff Following Leadership Change…
The Denver Nuggets are undergoing a significant reshuffle in their coaching department after appointing David Adelman as the team’s new head coach.
According to a report by Chris Haynes, the franchise will not be retaining four assistant coaches for the upcoming season. Those departing are Ryan Saunders, Popeye Jones, Charles Klask, and Stephen Graham — all of whom served under former head coach Michael Malone.
Michael Malone, who had led the team for several seasons, was dismissed near the end of the regular season. David Adelman, initially stepping in on an interim basis, has since been confirmed as the permanent head coach.
Among those leaving, Ryan Saunders is particularly notable. The former head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2019 to 2021, he is also the son of late NBA coach Flip Saunders.
Popeye Jones, 54, is another well-known figure. A former NBA player with an 11-year career from 1994 to 2004, Jones began coaching with the Brooklyn Nets (2010–2013) and subsequently worked with the Indiana Pacers (2013–2020), Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2021), and most recently the Nuggets for four seasons.
Charles Klask had been part of Denver’s coaching setup since 2018, while Stephen Graham had served in player development roles since 2016.
The Nuggets concluded the regular season with a 50-32 record. Under Adelman, they won all three remaining regular-season games and posted a 7-7 playoff record. The team defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in a tightly contested seven-game series in the first round before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in another seven-game battle during the conference semifinals.
