The Denver Nuggets are officially out of the playoffs.
They were knocked out by the Phoenix Suns in a four-game sweep.
Not the end we wanted, but we'll be back.
See you next season, Nuggets Nation.#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/bQ0DYW02v8
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) June 14, 2021
Now that the Nuggets are eliminated from the postseason, it is time to look at the future of the team.
Before they take a look at the roster; they must turn their attention to the head coach.
Michael Malone has been the head coach of the Nuggets for six seasons now.
In the last three seasons, the Nuggets have reached the playoffs.
However, is it time to fire Malone and head in a new direction?
Coach Malone might be on the hot seat.
Let’s see both sides of the argument as to Malone and his job security.
Be Bold And Fire Him
Firing him could be a great move, but controversial in the moment.
Malone has done a lot for this team and their development.
He has been there for awhile and they are now a perennial playoff team.
Maybe there is another level to reach.
The Nuggets have the newly crowned MVP, Nikola Jokic.
The time to win has started.
They have the talent and most of them are young.
Malone maybe can develop the talent, but perhaps they need someone to fulfill the goal.
This is not an indictment on Malone as a coach.
Recent history has shown that making a coaching change can put a very good team to a championship level team.
The Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, and Cleveland Cavaliers all made head coaching changes when we least expected it.
Each of them won the title as soon as the change was made.
This is not to say that if the Nuggets fire Malone, they will win the title.
However, maybe a change at the helm can bring them closer to a title.
Keep Him And See
Malone has developed this team each and every season.
It might be too early to assume that he cannot get this team over the hump.
We knew after 2018 that Dwane Casey was not going to be able to lift the Raptors higher.
Malone is not on that level just yet.
Also, the players love him and rally behind him.
Mike Malone surprises Nikola Jokic by bringing Adam Silver to officially grant him the MVP. pic.twitter.com/WkUaemZ7JO
— Elite Media Group (@TheEliteMedia_) June 8, 2021
Jokic believes in Malone.
The entire roster trusts him throughout each game.
The Nuggets are in a tough spot with being a small-market team and not having the resources that other teams possess.
This organization needed someone to steer the ship after years with hardly any success.
Malone had to work through young players and a roster that was not filled with the most talent.
Now they have the talent and Malone has done the best job possible.
This season was marred with injuries everywhere.
They made it to the second round, which was an accomplishment.
Malone deserves a chance with a healthy team and better roster moves.
He is a very good coach.
We do not know if he can lead them to a championship.
However, he should get a chance for us to see.
NEXT: 3 Changes Denver Nuggets Must Make After Ugly Sweep