Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Malone

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 23, 2025

How Michael Malone built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Michael Malone is an American professional basketball coach. He most recently held the position of head coach for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA, leading them to their first NBA championship in franchise history in 2023. Before Denver, he was the head coach of the Sacramento Kings (2013-2014). His coaching career includes assistant coaching roles with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets, and Golden State Warriors. He has built a reputation as a respected and successful coach in the NBA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1995: Assistant Coach for Providence Friars

In 1995, Michael Malone became an assistant coach for the Providence Friars men's basketball team.

1998: Director of Men's Basketball Administration at the University of Virginia

In 1998, Michael Malone became the director of men's basketball administration at the University of Virginia.

2001: Coaching Associate with the New York Knicks

In 2001, Michael Malone joined the New York Knicks as a coaching associate.

2003: Promotion to Assistant Coach with the New York Knicks

In 2003, Michael Malone was promoted to assistant coach with the New York Knicks.

2005: Assistant Coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2005, Michael Malone became an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2007: Playoff Berth

In 2007, The Golden State Warriors earned their first playoff berth.

2007: NBA Finals Appearance with the Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2007, as assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Michael Malone helped the team to an NBA Finals appearance.

2008: Franchise-Record Season with the Cleveland Cavaliers

In the 2008-09 season, Michael Malone helped coach the Cleveland Cavaliers to a franchise-record, league-best 66–16 season.

2010: End of Tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2010, Michael Malone's tenure as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers ended.

2011: Assistant Coach with the New Orleans Hornets

In 2011, Michael Malone served as an assistant coach for the New Orleans Hornets, helping them achieve the most improved defense in the league.

2011: Hired by the Golden State Warriors

In the summer of 2011, Michael Malone was hired as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors under Mark Jackson.

June 3, 2013: Hired as Head Coach of the Sacramento Kings

On June 3, 2013, Michael Malone was hired as the new head coach of the Sacramento Kings.

2013: Head Coach of the Sacramento Kings

In 2013, Michael Malone became the head coach of the Sacramento Kings in the NBA.

2013: Warriors upset Denver Nuggets

In 2013, as assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, Michael Malone helped the team upset the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.

December 15, 2014: Fired by the Sacramento Kings

On December 15, 2014, Michael Malone was fired by the Sacramento Kings after starting the 2014-15 season with an 11-13 record.

2014: Head Coach of the Sacramento Kings

In 2014, Michael Malone was still the head coach of the Sacramento Kings in the NBA.

June 15, 2015: Named Head Coach of the Denver Nuggets

On June 15, 2015, Michael Malone was named the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

2018: Nuggets Second Seed in Western Conference

In the 2018-19 season, Michael Malone led the Denver Nuggets to the second seed in the Western Conference with a 54-28 record.

December 24, 2019: Contract Extension with the Denver Nuggets

On December 24, 2019, the Denver Nuggets announced that they had agreed to a contract extension with Michael Malone.

January 2020: Consultant for Serbian National Team

In January 2020, Michael Malone joined the Serbian national team coaching staff as a consultant for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

2020: Nuggets Overcome Multiple Deficits in Playoffs

During the 2020 playoffs in the NBA Bubble, Michael Malone coached the Denver Nuggets to become the first team in league history to overcome multiple 3-1 deficits in a single postseason, defeating the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.

2020: Conference Finals

In 2020, the Denver Nuggets was matched up with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

March 23, 2022: Contract Extension with the Nuggets

On March 23, 2022, Michael Malone and the Denver Nuggets reached an agreement on a multi-year contract extension.

2023: Denver Nuggets Win First Championship

In the 2023 NBA Finals, Michael Malone coached the Denver Nuggets to their first championship title in their 47-year history, defeating the Miami Heat 94-89. Nikola Jokić was named the Finals MVP.

November 24, 2024: Most Wins in Franchise History

On November 24, 2024, Michael Malone recorded his 433rd win with the Nuggets, surpassing Doug Moe for the most wins in franchise history with a 127–102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.