A few weeks after the Denver Nuggets shockingly fired Michael Malone with three regular-season games left, the former coach has his next job lined up. On Monday, ESPN announced that Malone will be part of their Western Conference Finals coverage.
Malone didn't make it to the WCF like Nuggets fans hoped he would, but hearing his perspective and insight on the Thunder-Timberwolves series will be fascinating. After all, he spent extensive time scouting both teams this season, but not because he thought he'd be talking about them with ESPN. He'll take part in the "NBA Countdown" pregame and halftime show that will be present at each WCF game.
After Sunday's Game 7 loss in Oklahoma City, some Denver fans might've planned not to watch the WCF, but Malone gives a reason to tune in, at least before the game and during the half. He expressed gratitude in a statement to the organization and its fan base after he was fired, but hasn't spoken publicly about leaving the Nuggets. It's hard to see him not talking about leaving Denver in some capacity, although that doesn't mean he'll take shots at the organization. That's not the kind of person Malone is.
Former Nuggets coach Michael Malone to join ESPN's WCF coverage
Malone is still waiting for his next head coaching gig, which might not happen this summer, but knowing the drama of the NBA, it could happen during the 2025-26 season or next offseason. The Suns haven't hired a new head coach after firing Mike Budenholzer, but they reportedly want a young, first-time coach.
The Nuggets have a couple of imperative decisions they will make now that the season is over, such as officially making David Adelman head coach. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported after Game 7 that Adelman is "considered a strong candidate to have the interim tag removed and become the Nuggets' head coach on a permanent basis."
Adelman joined Malone's staff before the 2017-18 season, so he's been in Denver for several years. His contract will expire this summer, so if the Nuggets don't hire him, he could be a candidate for the Suns' job. While fans wait to learn about Adelman's future, they can tune in to the WCF to listen to Malone, who will always be respected for what he accomplished in Denver.