Nuggets bet on unprecedented duo: Tenzer and Wallace lead the management

Nuggets Bet on an “Unorthodox” Approach in Their New Management Structure

Denver Nuggets redefines its management structure with an “unorthodox” strategy, according to the words of Josh Kroenke himself, president of the team. Instead of “abnormal”, Kroenke prefers the term “unorthodox” to describe the new approach of the management. This new structure is based on a co-association between Executive Vice Presidents Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace. The goal is to maximize the skills of each and empower the team led by Nikola Jokic, three-time NBA MVP.

“Almost everything that has brought us here has been unorthodox. Our best player (Jokic) was the number 41 pick, in a very unorthodox way in the way he plays. So everything about us is unorthodox.”

Josh Kroenke, Nuggets president

Officially, Tenzer will hold the position of executive vice president of basketball operations, while Wallace will be the executive vice president of player personnel. Tenzer assumed the role of interim general manager in April, following Kroenke’s surprising decision to dispense with general manager Calvin Booth and coach Michael Malone, NBA champion in 2023, with three games remaining in the regular season. In this new configuration, Tenzer will be in charge of the salary cap and the team structure, while Wallace will leverage his relationships in the league.

“Synergy and collaboration are always key for any organization. I feel that the two of us together, in terms of collaboration, will be very healthy,” said Tenzer, who is about to begin his 17th season with the organization.

Ben Tenzer, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations

Kroenke explained that both parties will have an important role in decision-making, including free agent signings, contract extensions, and player movements. Kroenke also mentioned the case of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the importance of being cautious with injuries, given the team’s history, to avoid difficult decisions. In addition, Kroenke confirmed that the team plans to offer Jokic a maximum extension this summer.

“I’m not sure if he will accept it or not, because we are also going to explain each financial parameter around whether he signs now or signs later. Being completely transparent, that’s the way we always are, and then he makes the best decision for himself and his family, and we support it,” added Kroenke.

Josh Kroenke, Nuggets president

Kroenke assured that he will be more involved to facilitate the transition and is confident that Tenzer and Wallace will complement each other well. One of the main goals is to strengthen the team that already has Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun. The Nuggets do not have a first-round pick in the next draft and have little financial margin. However, they have high expectations for DaRon Holmes II, a first-round pick from last year who missed the entire season due to an injury.

“We are always going to analyze everything and be aggressive in putting together the best possible team,” said Tenzer.

Ben Tenzer, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations

Coach David Adelman, who was hired last month after being interim coach, guided the Nuggets to the second round, where they lost in seven games against the NBA champion, Oklahoma City Thunder. Wallace knows the Denver team well, as he was a scouting coordinator before being the director of player personnel for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the last three seasons.

“When these guys are healthy and at their best, they’re one of the best starting lineups in the entire league,” Wallace said about the Nuggets.

Jonathan Wallace, Executive Vice President of Player Personnel