Calvin Booth was the General Manager of the Nuggets when they won the first NBA title in franchise history, his first season in Denver, in 2022-23. And he says he made it look "easy." A wild statement from a guy who inherited a roster that was already built to win.
Booth gave his first interview since he was fired by the Nuggets in April of 2025, and he had some interesting takes. But the statement that stands out is the one he gave regarding the simplicity of the job in Denver. "I think I just made it look too easy."
Sure did. It was so easy for Booth. Rookie season as GM and wins the title. Easy to do when it's all set up for you.
It looked "easy" for Booth thanks to the architect of the foundation of the Nuggets, Tim Connelly. Connelly was in Denver from 2013-14 until Booth replaced him in 2022-23.
Connelly was the one who scouted and drafted the best basketball player in the world, Nikola Jokic. And it was Connelly who drafted his backcourt stalwart Jamal Murray. He hired Mike Malone, the Nuggets' winningest coach in franchise history.
All of the pieces of the puzzle were already there. Booth simply had to add complete the puzzle.
Booth had another wild statement to make
"You could put 100 GM's in my position. I don't know what, three or four of them do as good as I did." What? The talent was in place. Sure, Booth did add some pieces around Jokic and Murray, but to say 95% of GM's couldn't get it done with the group the Nuggets had is laughable.
Sure, Booth did add Bruce Brown, a key defensive stopper, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. And he drafted Peyton Watson and Christian Braun, both integral pieces of the current team. But the nucleus was there.
Booth also elaborated on his tension with Mike Malone, which ultimately led to his firing. He said the rift was "perceived," and that "it was blown out of proportion." He does give credit to Malone and says that he deserves to be coaching again, not behind a table, commenting.
But overall, it was an interesting interview that felt more like a defensive statement, with some comments that felt like he wanted to get attention in the media. It certainly did raise eyebrows amongst Nuggets fans. But hopefully for Booth, telling his side of the story could bring closure to the situation.