The Denver Nuggets are undergoing significant changes in their front office following the unexpected dismissals of former head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. In an effort to restructure their leadership, the Nuggets have named Ben Tenzer as the executive vice president of basketball operations and Jon Wallace as the executive vice president of player personnel, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Tenzer, who has been with the organization since 2005 and was serving as vice president of basketball operations, moved into the interim general manager role after Booth’s departure in April. Known within the organization for his expertise in salary cap management, Tenzer’s promotion reflects the team’s confidence in his capabilities as they navigate the upcoming season.
Wallace comes to the Nuggets after his tenure as director of player personnel for the Minnesota Timberwolves and general manager of their G League affiliate. He previously spent three years with the Nuggets’ scouting department, which gives him familiarity with the team’s systems and goals.
Both executives will report directly to team president and governor Josh Kroenke, who is actively involved in reshaping the franchise’s front office. Reports indicate that the relationship between Malone and Booth was strained, with the two seldom engaging outside of occasional meetings. This likely contributed to the team’s decision to make sweeping changes in their leadership structure.
As they prepare for the future, the Nuggets currently have no picks in the 2025 NBA draft, but Tenzer has been proactive in strategizing for potential draft scenarios, underscoring his commitment to building a competitive roster.
In addition to Tenzer and Wallace, potential candidates for other front office roles have included Miami Heat vice president Eric Amsler and Golden State Warriors director of basketball operations Chuck Hayes, showcasing the Nuggets’ intent to assemble a robust and experienced basketball leadership group moving forward.
This reshuffle in the front office could bring fresh perspectives and invigorate the team as they look to improve from last season. The hope is that these changes will ultimately lead to a more cohesive strategy and stronger performance on the court.