David Adelman Takes the Reins of the Nuggets: New Ideas and Greater Physical Demands
The new coach of the Denver Nuggets, David Adelman, has made his message to the team clear: improve physical condition and be open to new ideas for the upcoming training camp. Key players like Jamal Murray and Julian Strawther have already heard the coach’s guidelines.
Adelman, after being promoted to head coach following a playoff performance that led the Nuggets to a seventh game against Oklahoma City, seeks to implement significant changes. His goal is clear: to adapt to an increasingly competitive Western Conference and to empower the team led by MVP Nikola Jokic.
The coach, who has learned from mentors of the stature of his father Rick Adelman, Sam Mitchell, Frank Vogel and the late Flip Saunders, as well as Michael Malone, feels prepared for this new challenge. Physical preparation will be crucial for a good start and for maintaining the team’s health in the decisive moments of the season.“New ideas are good ideas. I must give them something to get excited about,” Adelman stated.
David Adelman
“Teams that start well usually have a better chance of being healthy in the important games,” commented Adelman.
David Adelman
One of the key aspects to improve during the offseason is the depth of the roster. The Nuggets showed signs of fatigue in the series against Oklahoma City, after overcoming the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.
Josh Kroenke, vice president of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, acknowledged the need to strengthen the team. The search for a new general manager is the next step, while Ben Tenzer is filling the position on an interim basis. Adelman will participate in the general manager selection process, seeking good cohesion between both roles.“This business is about cohesion. It’s about moving forward and winning,” added Adelman.
David Adelman
The lack of a draft pick in the upcoming NBA draft could make it difficult to add depth to the team without dismantling the core formed by Jokic, Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Christian Braun. The improvement of young players like Strawther, Peyton Watson, Jalen Pickett, and DaRon Holmes II will be crucial.
Regarding the style of play, Adelman will introduce some new features, but defense will remain a fundamental pillar.“We are hungry to improve,” Strawther said.
Julian Strawther
“We have to get back to being a team based on execution,” Adelman explained. “If that slows down our pace, or what the analytics say, I think that’s fine if it wins you a game in May, instead of playing a game in December.”
David Adelman
