Post by Aggieman95 on Dec 28, 2004 13:48:49 GMT -5
Looks like Michael Cooper will get an opportunity.
DENVER - Jeff Bzdelik was fired Tuesday as coach of the Denver Nuggets, who are on a six-game losing streak and struggling despite the addition of Kenyon Martin this season.
Assistant Michael Cooper was appointed interim coach.
Denver was expected to move near the top of the Western Conference after signing Martin, an All-Star power forward. So far, however, the Nuggets have been hurt by injuries and inconsistency.
The Nuggets started the season without power forward Nene and have used 10 different starting lineups, with star forward Carmelo Anthony missing the past five games with a sprained ankle.
Shooting guard Voshon Lenard, Denver's only legitimate outside shooting threat, was lost for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon in the opener.
Denver opened the season 2-5, won 10 of its next 12 games and has lost eight of its last nine, dropping to 13-15 after a 104-101 loss to Golden State on Monday night.
In two-plus seasons as the Nuggets' coach, Bzdelik had a 73-119 record. Last season, he guided the team to its first playoff appearance in 10 seasons.
"We felt we needed a change. I want to thank Jeff for all the hard work. He's a big part in turning this around," Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe told The Denver Post. "But we want to build to the next level, and the team wasn't going in the right direction. Sometimes, you can use a change or a new voice."
The Post says Cooper, a former Los Angeles Lakers' star, has a two-year contract with the team, including an option for a third season.
In four seasons as head coach of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, Cooper compiled a 116-31 record during the regular season. His teams won back-to-back league championships in 2001 and '02.
DENVER - Jeff Bzdelik was fired Tuesday as coach of the Denver Nuggets, who are on a six-game losing streak and struggling despite the addition of Kenyon Martin this season.
Assistant Michael Cooper was appointed interim coach.
Denver was expected to move near the top of the Western Conference after signing Martin, an All-Star power forward. So far, however, the Nuggets have been hurt by injuries and inconsistency.
The Nuggets started the season without power forward Nene and have used 10 different starting lineups, with star forward Carmelo Anthony missing the past five games with a sprained ankle.
Shooting guard Voshon Lenard, Denver's only legitimate outside shooting threat, was lost for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon in the opener.
Denver opened the season 2-5, won 10 of its next 12 games and has lost eight of its last nine, dropping to 13-15 after a 104-101 loss to Golden State on Monday night.
In two-plus seasons as the Nuggets' coach, Bzdelik had a 73-119 record. Last season, he guided the team to its first playoff appearance in 10 seasons.
"We felt we needed a change. I want to thank Jeff for all the hard work. He's a big part in turning this around," Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe told The Denver Post. "But we want to build to the next level, and the team wasn't going in the right direction. Sometimes, you can use a change or a new voice."
The Post says Cooper, a former Los Angeles Lakers' star, has a two-year contract with the team, including an option for a third season.
In four seasons as head coach of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, Cooper compiled a 116-31 record during the regular season. His teams won back-to-back league championships in 2001 and '02.
