Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show Episode Title: Nuggets Fire Michael Malone and Calvin Booth Days Before the Playoffs. Plus, Tim MacMahon Discusses His New Book, ‘The Wonder Boy.’ Release Date: April 8, 2025 Host/Author: The Ringer NBA Show

I. Introduction

In this episode of The Ringer NBA Show, the hosts dive deep into the unexpected decision by the Denver Nuggets to relieve Head Coach Michael Malone and General Manager Calvin Booth of their duties just days before the NBA playoffs. Additionally, the show features an exclusive interview with Tim McMahon, who discusses his latest book, The Wonder Boy: Luka Doncic and the Curse of Greatness.

II. Nuggets' Firing of Michael Malone and Calvin Booth

A. Initial Reactions and Shock

The episode begins with Logan Murdoch breaking the news about the Nuggets' abrupt decision. The hosts express immense surprise and frustration over the timing of the firings.

• Logan Murdoch [02:08]: "Mike Malone and Calvin Booth have been fired. Yes, you've heard that right."

B. Reasons Behind the Decision

Raja Bell provides an in-depth analysis, suggesting that the root cause of the decision lies in the longstanding discord between Malone and Booth.

• Raja Bell [02:39]: "Calvin Booth and Michael Malone have not gotten along their entire time together. There is no communication and no trust between them."

Howard Beck adds that ownership likely reached a tipping point due to the dysfunctional relationship at the top.

• Howard Beck [04:10]: "The Nuggets ownership and leadership decided enough's enough. They’re tired of the lack of trust and communication."

C. Comparison to Memphis Grizzlies

The hosts draw parallels between the Nuggets' situation and the recent actions taken by the Memphis Grizzlies, who also fired their coach and GM close to the playoffs.

• Raja Bell [05:06]: "...they fired your GM and head coach with just days left in the regular season when you are still one of the top teams in the Western Conference."

D. Impact on Playoffs

The sudden leadership change raises questions about the Nuggets' preparedness for the postseason and their potential performance.

• Zach Lowe [05:45]: "Firing them right now is not giving you a better chance in these playoffs. That's what I'm telling you."

E. Statements from Ownership

Logan Murdoch cites a statement from Nuggets owner Josh Cronky, who defends the decision despite the unfortunate timing.

• Logan Murdoch [19:09]: "While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, it is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now."

F. Analysis by Hosts

The hosts unanimously criticize the decision, emphasizing that it undermines the team's playoff aspirations and sends a confusing message to players, especially star Nikola Jokić.

• Zach Lowe [07:42]: "They've had it with both of you. And you guys aren't leading us anywhere good..."

• Raja Bell [07:48]: "This screams instability. This screams dysfunction."

III. Prediction and Future Outlook

Raja Bell remains skeptical about the Nuggets' ability to rebound in the remaining games and sustain competitiveness in the playoffs without Malone and Booth.

• Raja Bell [13:00]: "I think they're simply dysfunctional now, and I’m skeptical they can turn things around by changing the coach at this late stage."

Logan Murdoch concurs, highlighting the organizational turmoil as a significant symptom of deeper issues within the Nuggets.

• Logan Murdoch [29:07]: "Everything that happened last night is a symptom of what's going bad with the Denver Nuggets as a whole."

IV. Guest Interview: Tim McMahon

The latter half of the episode features Tim McMahon, the author of The Wonder Boy: Luka Doncic and the Curse of Greatness. McMahon provides a comprehensive look into Luka Doncic's journey, the pressures of greatness, and the dynamics within NBA front offices.

A. Introduction of the Guest

Logan Murdoch introduces McMahon, expressing excitement about finally having him on the show after years of attempts.

• Logan Murdoch [30:44]: "Our next guest is somebody that we've been trying to have on for years... Tim McMahon is in the building."

B. Tim's Background and Book Discussion

McMahon delves into his book, which explores Luka Doncic's rise and the inherent challenges that come with extraordinary talent.

• Tim McMahon [31:15]: "The pressure on a franchise when you draft a prodigy through the prism of Luka and the Mavericks..."

C. Luka Doncic Analysis

The conversation shifts to Luka's relationship with the Mavericks' front office, his conditioning issues, and the circumstances surrounding his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.

• McMahon [36:43]: "There was a big time fraying of the relationship, especially between Luka and Nico Harrison."

D. Impact of Luka Trade

McMahon discusses the emotional and strategic implications of trading a franchise cornerstone like Luka, comparing it to legendary figures like Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.

• McMahon [40:51]: "There was definitely frustration that they felt like God when they shut him down with the right wrist injury..."

E. Future Predictions for Mavericks and Lakers

The hosts and McMahon speculate on the future moves of the Mavericks, including potential trades and the front office's direction, while also discussing Luka's integration into the Lakers and his partnership with LeBron James.

• Howard Beck [75:58]: "I think Luka is going to have a long, successful, mostly happy tenure with the Lakers."

• Zach Lowe [81:03]: "When LeBron James is on a roster, it's his team... As long as he's there, it's his team and their ability to navigate..."

F. Final Thoughts

McMahon emphasizes the importance of managing superstar relationships within franchises to maintain organizational stability and success.

• McMahon [76:46]: "They've got to make sure Luka is as comfortable as possible... They embraced the people around Luka who are important to him."

V. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the tumultuous Nuggets' leadership changes and insights into Luka Doncic's evolving role with the Lakers. The hosts express anticipation for how these developments will shape the NBA playoffs and the upcoming season.

• Logan Murdoch [89:50]: "That has been another edition of Real Ones. We will see you guys Friday. Talk to you guys soon. Ah, all the shits. Bye."

Notable Quotes

• Raja Bell [02:43]: "...calvin Booth and Michael Malone have not gotten along their entire time together. There is no communication and no trust between them."

• Zach Lowe [05:45]: "Firing them right now is not giving you a better chance in these playoffs."

• Howard Beck [40:58]: "The calf strains backward to the same calf in 28 months. I understand those concerns."

• Tim McMahon [36:43]: "There was a big time fraying of the relationship, especially between Luka and Nico Harrison."

• Howard Beck [75:58]: "They embraced the people around Luka who are important to him."

Key Takeaways

• Denver Nuggets' Leadership Crisis: The firing of Coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth has left the Nuggets in a precarious position just before the playoffs, indicating deep-seated issues within the organization's leadership.

• Organizational Dysfunction: The decision highlights significant dysfunction between the front office and coaching staff, mirroring similar issues seen with the Memphis Grizzlies.

• Luka Doncic's Future with the Lakers: Tim McMahon provides valuable insights into Luka's transition to the Lakers, his competitive nature, and the critical role of fostering positive relationships with the front office to ensure his success.

• Impact on NBA Playoffs: These developments could have substantial implications for the upcoming playoffs, affecting team dynamics and performance.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and analyses presented in the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the Nuggets' recent turmoil and Luka Doncic's evolving career dynamics within the NBA.