Denver Nuggets GM Search: Potential Candidates to Lead Basketball Operations
With the Denver Nuggets’ season now over, attention has turned to a critical offseason priority: hiring a new general manager to take over basketball operations following the departure of Calvin Booth. As of season’s end, the team had yet to formally begin the search, per a team insider. So, where might the process begin?
Internal Candidates
Given the moves made by the Kroenke ownership group since Booth’s dismissal, Ben Tenzer appears to be the front-runner among internal options. He was seen with team ownership at Denver’s first post-Booth game in Sacramento and was subsequently appointed interim general manager. Tenzer has led the Nuggets’ G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, for the past two seasons and originally joined the organization as a student intern in 2005-06.
Another possible internal choice is assistant GM Tommy Balcetis, a Lithuania native who has been part of the Nuggets’ front office since 2013.
Should Denver decide to promote from within for both the GM and head coach roles, it would likely reflect a belief by ownership that Booth and Michael Malone’s exits were sufficient to address internal culture issues—essentially, that a new era has already begun without requiring an external shake-up.
From Second in Command to Top Job?
Many NBA organizations operate with both a general manager and a president of basketball operations (POBO), with the latter typically holding ultimate decision-making power. Since Tim Connelly’s departure, Denver has not filled the POBO role, suggesting that whoever is hired as GM may take on substantial authority.
One frequently mentioned name is Matt Lloyd, currently serving as the Timberwolves’ general manager under Connelly. Minnesota’s front office has made bold moves in recent years—such as the 2022 Rudy Gobert trade and the surprising 2024 deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle.
Another potential target is Will Dawkins of the Washington Wizards. Despite being well-regarded among fans (who’ve coined the phrase “Let Will Dawkins cook”), Washington suffered a major setback in the recent draft lottery, falling four spots. That disappointment might prompt Dawkins to consider a new opportunity. He works closely with Monumental Sports president Michael Winger in D.C.
Other notable assistant GMs include:
- Trent Redden of the Clippers, who’s collaborated well with POBO Lawrence Frank.
- Mike Gansey, helping reestablish the Cavaliers as contenders since 2022.
- Elton Brand, who has served under Daryl Morey in Philadelphia and was recently linked to the open GM role in Atlanta.
Recently Available Executives
Several experienced executives hit the market this past April. One prominent name is David Griffin, dismissed by the Pelicans after six years despite past success (he helped build Cleveland’s 2016 championship team). His New Orleans tenure was hampered by Zion Williamson’s injury issues, though he still made smart draft picks like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.
Landry Fields, let go by Atlanta, also merits a look. A former NBA player, Fields spent five years with the Hawks—three as GM—and oversaw the selection of Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick in 2024. He also has G League experience with the Austin Spurs.
Another notable figure is Monte McNair, who left Sacramento just two years after being named NBA Executive of the Year.
Big Names, Big Price Tags
Given that the Nuggets are already paying over $20 million to Malone on his existing contract and are incurring increasing luxury tax penalties, hiring a top-tier executive seems unlikely. However, if ownership opts to spend big:
- Bob Myers, the former Warriors GM and current ESPN analyst, is widely seen as the most desirable name available. Myers has hinted he might return to front office work and even stated earlier this year that Nikola Jokic would be his top choice if building a championship team.
- Tim Connelly, though highly improbable, remains a fan-favorite name. He left Denver for more money in Minnesota, and with an opt-out clause approaching in his current deal, bringing him back would be costly—likely even more than what Denver refused to pay him previously.
- A long-shot but intriguing possibility is Andy Elisburg, Miami Heat’s longtime GM and Pat Riley’s trusted lieutenant since 1988. It’s unclear what it would take to convince Elisburg to leave Miami, but if Denver aims high, his name might be worth exploring.
