The 2025 NBA Draft is just around the corner, but the Denver Nuggets are making headlines just before the two-day event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Nuggets’ executive moves signal a significant change for the underperforming organization. The Nuggets entered the 2025 NBA Playoffs with a shining starting five, but a shallow roster.
The Denver Nuggets enter the 2025 NBA Draft with a revamped front office. ESPN’s Shams Charania posted on X, formerly Twitter, “The Denver Nuggets are naming Ben Tenzer as the executive vice president of basketball operations and hiring Minnesota Timberwolves executive Jon Wallace as the franchise’s new executive vice president of player personnel, sources tell ESPN. Both will report to Josh Kroenke.”
Charania, 31, wrote in a follow-up post, “After the late season firings of coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth, the Nuggets hired David Adelman – and now will name Tenzer and Wallace as the heads of their newly restructured basketball leadership group.”
The Denver Nuggets shined in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, thanks to its starting five: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Christian Braun. All five formed a formidable core. Injuries to Porter Jr. and Gordon eventually doomed Denver’s second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Nuggets seemed compelled to lean on its sixth-man point guard, Russell Westbrook, along with spotty contributions from Zeke Nnaji, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther. Westbrook, 36, reportedly declined his $3.5 million player option and will enter free agency, while Dario Saric accepted his $5.4 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season.
As of Monday, Denver does not have its own pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. However, things can change, as Denver’s need to sign a young, cost-controlled player for its bench remains a priority.
The Nuggets’ front office overhaul might seem drastic, but it’s the start of a new beginning. The team’s new structure can enhance the overall depth and performance, especially with the core players, such as Jokic.
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