Michael Malone ran the show in Denver for a decade—and in 8 of those 10 years, the Nuggets were winning. Let’s not forget that he literally led them to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023. But fast forward not even two years, and boom—he’s out. Just like that. The decision to cut ties with the winningest coach in franchise history sent shockwaves through the league. And let’s just say, it didn’t sit well with some former NBA stars.

Guys like Reggie Miller and Matt Barnes didn’t hold back. With no clear reason given for the sudden firing, they pointed fingers at what’s becoming a growing trend in the league—player power. The idea that superstar influence is starting to outweigh coaching legacy. Whether that’s the real story or not, one thing’s for sure: ditching a coach fresh off a title run feels like a bold—and risky—move.

It was the Pacers legend who took to Instagram to share his dismay. “The INMATES are officially running the asylum 🤔🙄😳🥲.” With just 3 games left in the regular season and two weeks away from the playoffs, the Nuggets took this step. As soon as the news dropped, Malone’s previous criticism of the squad emerged. Where he questioned his players’ lack of effort and their inability to listen to criticism. Obviously, the reports also started circulating about players being unhappy with the head coach.

Matt Barnes was shooting his new episode for his podcast when the news dropped. “The players run the league now. There used to be a line of respect for coaches, and it was the coach’s way or the highway. When I came to the league in the early 2000s, now it’s the player’s way or the highway.” The former NBA champion explained that players have more now, so more likely than not, the coach will be the “scapegoat”.

“It’s going to be the scapegoat because the players are making too much money.” Does Barnes’ statement have any truth? Chris Broussard’s report might clear the air. “Michael Malone not being as hard on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray reportedly rubbed some Nuggets players the wrong way.” Since the team had gone 11-13 since the All-Star break, the front office felt the team needed an overall.

According to Ohm Youngmisuk, the Nuggets’ ownership is hoping that the firings of Michael Malone and Calvin Booth will give the team a ‘jolt’ to make a run in the playoffs. Yet, with two weeks away from playoffs, the change this late in the season did not sit right with many.

Apart from Reggie Miller and Matt Barnes, another former champion bat for Michael Malone

“It’s part of what motivates me, but I wake up every day saying this could be my last day.” Joe Mazulla, the Boston Celtics head coach, shared his take on the surprising news of the Nuggets firing their head coach. Currently, the Denver team is the fourth seed and a game and a half back from the third seed, but their coach is gone. This is why ESPN analyst Paul Pierce criticized the players for not playing their part.

“Players get their feelings hurt in this generation. ‘Oh, I don’t like him. Then he’s talking bad to me.’ Man, get on the line.” On NBA SPEAK, the former Celtics champion shared his take. “It don’t matter. Get over your feelings. He’s a successful coach who’s brought you to the mountaintop, and now people’s feelings get hurt, and now he’s out of there. That’s what it is. ”

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The Nuggets’ head coach had an overall (510-394) record, including the playoffs. This season, despite the constant injury problem, the team currently is at 47-32, they are only a half-game ahead of teams tied at fifth. Only time will tell if the firings add any positive jolts to the players. Or, as Matt Barnes, Miller, and Pierce stated, the players first have to take some accountability.