The Denver Nuggets fired head coach Brian Shaw on Tuesday. ( John Leyba, The Denver Post)
The and named assistant Melvin Hunt interim coach for the rest of the season. The move came as somewhat of a surprise since the Nuggets’ front office had said repeatedly that Shaw would remain as the team’s head coach this season, despite their struggles. But as the team’s record continued to slide, calls for Shaw’s ouster grew louder.
Shortly after The Denver Post reported Shaw’s firing, fans, media and even one of his former players spoke up.
David West on Brian Shaw being fired: “That’s bullshit. No grownups on the roster. You can’t win without grownups.”
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness)
were in practice when news of B-Shaw being fired came out. All very aware of the news, guys that were here with him were upset.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness)
Vogel on Shaw: It’s unfortunate. It’s a tough business. He’s a helluva a bball coach, a helluva a good man & I’m sure he’ll land on his feet
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness)
Denver was basically a schematic disaster on both sides of the ball this season. Roster is flawed, but Shaw didn’t mold it the right ways.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA)
With Brian Shaw’s firing, Phil Jackson’s coaching tree withers away even further.
— SB Nation NBA (@SBNationNBA)
Denver wanted to change styles when it fired George Karl, but that roster never really changed. Tough situation for Brian Shaw from the jump
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne)
At least Brian Shaw already has an incredible legacy.
— Taco Trey Kerby (@treykerby)
Brian Shaw says he’s just trying to find five guys who are willing to play hard. I got four right here.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi)
Brian Shaw going to crack open the good stuff tonight.
— Aaron Bruski (@aaronbruski)
Brian Shaw fired as Nuggets coach. Their last 21 games have been a struggle
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo)
Brian Shaw is an honorable man who wound up with a bad fit of roster and also did a bad job coaching. His next stint will go better
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball)
To me, Brian Shaw’s problems go back to management. They never gave him a roster that could play his style, the friction started there.
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk)
