Denver Nuggets president Josh Kroenke publicly backed head coach David Adelman on Friday despite the team's first-round playoff elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves, confirming Adelman will return for a second season.

"I have full faith in Coach Adelman," Kroenke said at a news conference at Ball Arena. "I think he coached a hell of a season, all things considered."

Adelman, who turns 45 next week, guided Denver to a 54-28 record and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference in his first full season as head coach. The Nuggets lost in six games to Minnesota, who finished the series without star guard Anthony Edwards and starting two-guard Donte DiVincenzo.

The first-round exit marked Denver's earliest postseason departure since 2022. Kroenke noted the organization does not make coaching changes lightly, referencing the 2025 dismissal of Michael Malone.

Adelman's debut season was defined by roster instability. He used 28 different starting lineups and navigated a month-long absence from three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, going 10-6 without the superstar center. The Nuggets closed the regular season on a 12-game winning streak.

"I thought that if this group was healthy, that this could be a 60-, 65-win team," Kroenke said.

Both Jokic and Jamal Murray defended Adelman following the season-ending loss, asserting the playoff result was not a reflection of his coaching.