We haven't even entered the NBA postseason, yet the head coaching carousel is already stunningly underway. The Memphis Grizzlies' decision to fire Taylor Jenkins was followed up with the Denver Nuggets firing Michael Malone.
Sam Amick and Tony Jones of The Athletic covered these firings, particularly the Nuggets' decision to part ways with Malone and general manager Calvin Booth.
They noted two reasons behind this decision to clean house so late into the season. First was the fact that the off-court chemistry issues were becoming burdensome and specifically bothering Nikola Jokic, the last person you want to give a reason to leave.
That explains the decision, but the timing was strange as it was tied for the latest coaching firing in NBA history. That had more to do with the second reason: giving Malone's replacement, David Adelman, an audition to see whether or not he should be their head coach beyond this season.
"Team sources say David Adelman, whose steadiness and calm demeanor are in stark contrast to Malone's manner, has a tremendous amount of support from the most important players. And if the Nuggets wanted to get a good look at what Adelman might be able to do before deciding how to proceed on the coaching front, the time was now."
Blazers likely to have interest in Nuggets' David Adelman
Adelman is in the final year of his contract with the Nuggets. It wouldn't be surprising if they offered him a more permanent head coaching position. But if, for some reason, it doesn't work out, the Portland Trail Blazers are specifically mentioned as a team that is "likely to have interest" in Adelman.
"League sources say the Portland Trail Blazers are likely to have interest in Adelman if they eventually decide to part ways with Chauncey Billups. Adelman's father, Rick, was at the helm during Portland's late 1980s-early 1990s run that included two trips to the NBA Finals."
Whether Chauncey Billups and the Blazers have mutual interest going forward remains to be seen. If they do decide to part ways, then the Blazers could benefit from the recent development around the league.
Hopefully, Portland can land one of Jenkins, Malone, or Adelman this summer, as they could use a new voice to help lead their young core back to the playoffs.
Jenkins would be an upgrade as someone who has experience leading a Grizzlies team with a similar identity that gets it done on the defensive end, making it easy to see how he would fit in with Portland's roster. Meanwhile, Malone has won at the highest level, which can't be overstated.
But Adelman is another name that Blazers fans should be excited about being potentially available. While Denver should try to retain him, the one thing Portland has in its favor is his ties to the area.
David was born in Salem, played and coached at Jesuit High School, and then led Lincoln High School to three championships as head coach. Coaching Jokic may be too tempting to pass up, but so could a return home.