Nuggets support interim coach Adelman: 'He made us believe'
Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman may not have the full-time job yet, but he does have the backing of his players.
"I love DA. I hope he's here next year," Denver forward Aaron Gordon said, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "I hope he's our next coach. I hope he gets an entire training camp and a whole offseason to figure out his philosophy. DA's great."
Adelman became the interim coach after the Nuggets fired Mike Malone with just three games left in the regular season. Denver had lost four straight games before Adelman assumed the role, but he led the Nuggets to three consecutive victories and a first-round series win against the Los Angeles Clippers. The team also pushed a 68-win Thunder squad to a Game 7.
Adelman's effort impressed reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.
"You had three games to change something," Jokic said after Denver's Game 7 defeat to the Thunder on Sunday.
"I think he changed (the) energy. I think the guys were woken up a little. Guys had more energy. He made us believe in something, and we played good. We played a seven-game series against the best team in the NBA. We had (an) opportunity, we had chances. I think he did a really good job."
Adelman is considered a strong candidate to become the Nuggets' full-time head coach, sources told MacMahon.
"Decision-makers will make that decision," Adelman said. "Obviously blessed to have this opportunity to take the helm and lead this team. If I'm not back next year, I'll obviously never forget this. It's been an incredible experience. To have the buy-in from the guys was really special for me."
Nuggets governor Josh Kroenke was pleased with Adelman's performance.
"Outside of the championship, this is the most proud I've been because these guys have really rallied," he said.
Adelman, 44, spent eight campaigns as an assistant coach with the Nuggets before Malone's firing.
All five of Denver's starters are under contract for next season. Key reserve Russell Westbrook has a $3.5-million player option.