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David Adelman has been appointed as the permanent head coach at Denver Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets announced David Adelman as permanent head coach (AP)
The Denver Nuggets confirmed David Adelman as the franchise’s new head coach on Thursday, following the team’s elimination from the NBA playoffs.
Adelman had served as Denver’s interim head coach since early April, when Michael Malone was unexpectedly dismissed in the final days of the regular season.
Adelman led the Nuggets to a first-round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, and then took the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the Western Conference semi-finals.
The 44-year-old Adelman has been with Denver since 2017, after coaching stints with Orlando and Minnesota.
Adelman is widely credited with reinvigorating the Nuggets during the postseason amid the upheaval caused by Malone’s departure.
Speaking after Denver’s playoff elimination on Sunday, following a 125-93 loss to Oklahoma City, Adelman expressed uncertainty about his future.
“Decision-makers will make that decision,” Adelman said when asked if he expected to return as head coach next season. “Obviously blessed to have this opportunity. If I’m not back next year, I’ll never forget this. It’s been an incredible experience.”
Denver star Nikola Jokic praised Adelman’s impact on the team’s season.
“It’s a tough, tough spot to be in,” Jokic said of Adelman. “He had three games to change something, and I think he changed the energy. The guys woke up a little bit and had more energy. He made us believe in something, and we played well. We played a seven-game series with probably the best team in the NBA, and we had opportunities. I think he did a really good job.”
Denver stalwart Aaron Gordon was confident that Adelman should be retained.
“I love DA. I hope he’s here next year, I hope he’s our coach,” Gordon said. “I hope he gets an entire training camp, a whole offseason, and a full training camp to figure out his philosophy. He’s excellent for us.”
(With inputs from AFP)
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Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)
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