DENVER — KSE vice chairman Josh Kroenke Friday, the Denver Nuggets Following the departure of executive Tim Connelly, we are now entering a “championship-or-bust” chapter. General manager Calvin Booth will guide us. Minnesota Timberwolves.
“We are entering a new phase in the organization, with this squad especially, which is: It’s championship or bust. Kroenke stated that this was the first time such words had been spoken in these halls.
The returns that are received will determine if this promise is fulfilled. Jamal Murray (knee). Michael Porter Jr. (back) to star alongside the court Nikola JokicHe led the Nuggets’ 48-win season last season without any of his star players.
Kroenke stated, “We have a two time MVP, and we have two other All-Star-caliber athletes coming off injuries.” “And I think we are poised, in a way perhaps this organization hadn’t been before.”
“That excites me. However, that puts us under a lot of pressure. We’re not the underdog anymore. We’re now the lovable, hapless guys from Denver, Colorado. When we become healthier and prove our capabilities, I believe we’ll be able to set a goal for ourselves.”
Kroenke stated that the Nuggets will be getting new training facilities as part a huge redevelopment near Ball Arena in a 33-minute conference.
Kroenke stated that he worries about the impact of the nearly three-year-old local television blackout of Nuggets, Avalanche and Avalanche games resulting from a dispute over state’s largest Cable company.
Altitude TV, a Stan Kroenke-owned regional sports network, has been involved in a long-running dispute against Comcast. Comcast is the state’s largest provider of cable. Altitude has not been carried since their last deal expired in 2019.
Kroenke also felicitated Connelly for his recent departure to become the Timberwolves president, basketball operations. He had previously served in that role in Denver for nine years.
Connelly’s deal has a value of $40 million over five year, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor confirmed that the agreement includes bonuses for team performance.
Kroenke stated that he made Connelly a fair offer.
“The term “equity” was being thrown around. I didn’t understand what it meant. Kroekne explained that this could mean many different things in business. But he stated, “Hey, if you have equity upside, I need to look at this for our family.” I agreed.
“Tim was currently under contract. The offer just kind of came in the side door, like they always do in the NBA. Once these numbers start being thrown around, and get into people’s heads, it can be very difficult to contain. I thought we made a competitive offer that would have allowed him the confidence to stay in Denver. He also felt that some of those bonus schemes offered some benefits that were too good to pass up.
Connelly’s departure meant that the news conference was scheduled for more than one week ago. But Kroenke stated that he had contracted food poisoning, then COVID-19. He stated that he tested negative for the virus on Thursday and was able to attend the Avalanche’s 4-0 win against Edmonton in Game 2 at the Stanley Cup conference finals.
Booth will assume Connelly’s duties, but Kroenke stated that he’ll help with the transition.
Kroenke stated, “I have always thought highly of Calvin. I think he will do a great job for us.” “I had great conversations with Coach Michael Malone after Tim’s departure. We exchanged messages and had great conversations. Everyone is very excited. They’re both sad to see him go and excited for what lies ahead.
Kroenke was one of several members who flew to Sombor (Serbia) last month to present Jokic his second MVP trophy. Kroenke stated that he plans to return to Sombor this summer to present Jokic a supermax contract.
This extension, which is expected to cost $241million, will be the longest contract in NBA history.
Kroenke stated that he did not regret extending Porter a five year, $172 million contract prior to last season. Porter had played only nine games before needing another back operation.
Kroenke stated that they are concerned about his injuries and not about the contract.