Dub Hub: Steve Kerr ‘shocked’ by Nuggets’ decision to fire head coach Michael Malone

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Wednesday, April 9th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Steve Kerr shocked by the Nuggets’ decision to fire their long-time head coach Michael Malone.
• Steph Curry bounces back with 25 points in Tuesday’s rout over the Suns, 133-95.
• Luka Doncic returns to Dallas for the first time since the blockbuster trade back in February.

Like everyone in the NBA world, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed his disbelief on Tuesday over the sudden firing of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.

“Shocked like everyone,” Kerr said prior to Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. “Mike has obviously been a great coach, championship coach, with a fantastic record. Again, like with [former Memphis Grizzlies head coach] Taylor [Jenkins], you just don’t expect anything like this this late in the season.”

Malone, who guided the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship just two seasons ago, was the fourth-longest tenured active head coach in the league—right behind Kerr, who ranks third on that list. His dismissal comes despite Denver holding a 47-32 record and being firmly in the thick of a tight Western Conference playoff race.

Adding even more shock to it is the timing of the decision as the postseason is set to begin in just one week. Nuggets Vice Chairman Josh Kroenke said the organization is hoping the move will provide a spark for the team heading into the playoffs.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, April 9th:

Warriors News:

Steve Kerr on the state of NBA coaching: “It’s not the most stable profession, that’s for sure”

Warriors’ turnaround coincides with Brandin Podziemski’s second-season revival | The Athletic

“Our vets are older,” Podziemski said. “Steph —how many more years does he have? We don’t know, but it’s not going to be as long as I’m playing. I know that. I think I have that going towards my favor and I think, just being able as a young guy to be an elite role player and learn from the vets. Then when they’re out and you step into that role, it’s like a seamless transition. And I think that’s what I’ve been trying to do.

“Obviously I’m not Steph Curry, nor am I ever going to be. But it’s just, how do I learn his habits and how do I learn the culture that’s been built here? How do I take that, grab that and lead in my own way? If I’m fortunate to be a main focal piece of the future.”

To no one’s surprise, Steph bounces back in Warriors’ rout of Suns | NBC Sports Bay Area

Curry in 26 minutes scored 25 points. He was a plus-31 with nine rebounds and six assists, and shot 9 of 17 overall, as well as 3 of 9 on threes.

“I loved how Draymond [Green], Steph [Curry] and Jimmy [Butler] and our vets really established the tone,” coach Steve Kerr said. “Even before the game started at shootaround, they were locked in and it showed right from the onset.”

‘Dub Dynasty’ podcast to highlight Warriors’ run | NBA

“Dub Dynasty” is a 10-episode narrative podcast hosted by Israel Gutierrez, covering the behind-the-scenes story of the Golden State Warriors’ run over the last 10 years. The show chronicles the indelible impact on basketball, overcoming challenges and becoming one of the greatest dynasties in modern sports.

The first episode airs on April 8 and new episodes will drop every Tuesday for the next nine weeks.

First look at Brandin Podziemski’s new signature shoe with Rigorer

NBA News:

Nuggets fire coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth | ESPN

When the Nuggets entered this season, sources told ESPN that there was growing tension between Malone and Booth that grew into a “cold war.” Since the team won the championship, the Nuggets have gone with younger role players such as Christian Braun and Peyton Watson around the team’s core of Jokic, Murray and Aaron Gordon. Veterans such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown left in previous summers during free agency to sign bigger deals elsewhere

Starting 5, April 9: West gets tighter, Luka & AD face former teams | NBA

In addition to the postseason stakes, tonight marks Luka Dončić’s first game back in Dallas and Anthony Davis’ first game against his former team since February’s blockbuster trade.

During his 6.5 seasons in Dallas, Luka was a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA First Team selection, Kia Rookie of the Year and led the Mavs to the 2024 Finals

Since he’s been in L.A., Luka has averaged 27.1 pts, 8.1 reb and 7.6 ast, joining Oscar Robertson as the only players to average at least 27/7/7 in their first 25 games with a franchise

Luka Doncic ejected after receiving second technical foul against Thunder

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Player grades: Warriors vs. Suns

Brandin Podziemski

22 minutes, 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, 7-for-12 shooting, 4-for-6 threes, 4-for-4 free throws, 79.9% TS, +20

Over the last four games, Podz is averaging 23.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. He’s playing like a star right now, and if that continues, well ... uhh ... yeah. That would be really freaking cool and pretty damn important. And he did all that scoring while playing awesome defense, often on Bradley Beal.

Grade: A+

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