It had been more than four years since Nuggets governor Josh Kroenke spoke publicly with local media.
That meant there was plenty to discuss after he emerged from a recent bout with COVID-19 to field questions from reporters Friday afternoon at Ball Arena. And Kroenke did not hold back as he held court for more than 30 minutes on everything from the Altitude TV dispute to luxury tax concerns, Nikola Jokic’s impending extension and Calvin Booth, the GM tabbed to replace former president Tim Connelly.
The latter was addressed right away, as Kroenke affirmed his commitment to Booth, who he said will take over as the team’s top basketball decision-maker in the wake of Connelly’s stunning departure to Minnesota.
“I’ve always thought very highly of Calvin, I think he’s going to do a wonderful job for us,” said Kroenke, whose public appearances are few and far between.
“… He’s got a great mind and I think he’s open to suggestions but he showed me that he can make ruthless decisions when he needs to,” Kroenke said of Booth.
Booth, multiple sources told The Denver Post, doesn’t have a lot of contractual security as he moves into the top role. When asked specifically about his commitment to Booth beyond next season, Kroenke suggested more news regarding the front office was coming.
“Calvin and I are going to be sitting down, our whole front office and I will be sitting down in the very near future,” Kroenke said. “… We’re all talking and I think those guys know where they sit, and we’ll have some more announcements and some more information coming in the very near future.”
Kroenke, whose news conference was delayed more than a week after he tested positive for COVID, threw his weight behind Booth, but said he never expected to be in this position.
After Washington made a run at Connelly in 2019, Nuggets ownership extended him a contract extension less than what the Wizards offered but with the ability to make up the difference in bonuses, according to Kroenke. Within that contract, there was an opt-out after three years.
“I put that in his contract never anticipating that he would opt out and go to another NBA team and that’s what happened,” Kroenke said. “There was an option in his contract, he chose to exercise that option. And there was a major offer out there for him.”
After officially naming Connelly’s successor and addressing the most immediate news, Kroenke spent more than 30 minutes speaking to the Nuggets’ future and fielding questions on an array of topics.
Here are the highlights:
On the luxury tax: “Yeah, I mean, I think that you know, first of all, my dad (Stan) is the owner. I’m just making sure I don’t screw everything up on a day-to-day basis. … If you’ve drafted well, you better be ready to pay that tax, and we’re ready to pay that tax.”
Analysis: Kroenke alluded to three max players and the impending supermax contract that Jokic is due in free agency. He committed to paying the tax for the first time since 2009, but with that commitment comes an implicit understanding that the team has to have a championship-caliber roster. When healthy, Kroenke said he expects that.
The younger Kroenke made a clear delineation that ultimately the final decision stops with Stan.
On improving practice space: “Plans are in place to build a facility that will not only make Avs, Nuggets, players, coaches and staff very proud but the city of Denver as well.”
Analysis: Kroenke said this publicly about five years ago, too, and there’s still been little-to-no movement about upgrading the Nuggets’ practice facilities. For now, the Nuggets will continue practicing on the second floor at Ball Arena. Amid the TV debacle, Connelly’s surprising departure and the lack of investment in a practice facility, which most other NBA teams have, there has been plenty to criticize surrounding the franchise. Perhaps next time he speaks this won’t be one of the issues.
On Connelly’s departure: “You always wish you could have do-overs in situations like this. … But you know, to my point earlier, once someone comes in the side door with that type of contract, situation or potential offer, it can scramble people’s brains pretty good. I mean, that’s a lot of money.” (Connelly was given a five-year, $40 million contract).
Analysis: Connelly’s departure stung. Kroenke said he regretted the way Connelly’s contract was worded and alluded to a miscommunication in how transparent the Timberwolves were in their pursuit of the longtime president. He also seemed to have some pointed words for the Timberwolves’ organization, twice referring to a “desperate” club willing to pay an exorbitant price for an executive. But by now, both parties have moved on, and the Nuggets still believe they’re poised for contention under Booth’s leadership.