The Denver Nuggets ended a period of uncertainty by officially naming David Adelman the full-time head coach. Adelman had stepped in as interim coach after the Nuggets dismissed Michael Malone and General Manager Calvin Booth just days before the NBA Playoffs began.

Under Adelman’s leadership, the Nuggets nearly reached the Western Conference Finals, falling just one game short against the Oklahoma City Thunder. His ability to guide the team deep into the playoffs made a strong case for his permanent appointment.

Westbrook’s Brief but Potent Playoff Contributions

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with stellar performances, yet Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook played crucial roles at key moments, providing timely scoring and savvy offensive rebounds. Westbrook averaged 11.7 points per game throughout the playoff run and notably shot 41.7% from three-point range in the opening series against the Los Angeles Clippers, a significant factor in close games.

Westbrook holds a player option for the 2025-26 season with a deadline of June 29 to decide if he will accept a $3.46 million salary. His option offers a relatively affordable way to keep valuable depth, which the Nuggets will likely need to address in the offseason.

Westbrook’s Four-Word Message Sparks Interest Ahead of Key Offseason

Amid this crucial offseason period, Westbrook posted a succinct four-word statement that has attracted attention around the team’s future. His decision to stay or move on could significantly impact Denver’s roster construction and strategic planning.

Implications for Nuggets as Offseason Planning Begins

With Adelman now at the helm and a core featuring Jokic, Gordon, and possibly Westbrook, the Nuggets enter the offseason with important choices ahead. Retaining Westbrook could help fill gaps in the roster thanks to his versatility and the cost-effectiveness of his player option. The team’s ability to supplement its depth will be under close scrutiny as they aim to build on this year’s promising playoff push.