DENVER – In a significant shift within their organizational structure, the Denver Nuggets have advanced interim general manager Ben Tenzer to the role of executive vice president of basketball operations. Alongside this promotion, they have also recruited Jonathan Wallace from the Minnesota Timberwolves to occupy the same executive position. This strategic move was announced just days before the upcoming NBA draft, in which the Nuggets currently hold no picks in the first round.
The responsibilities that fall on Tenzer and Wallace will include reinforcing a team built around prominent figures such as Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, and key players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun. Tenzer was initially appointed as interim general manager in April. This followed a bold decision by Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, to dismiss head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth shortly before the regular season concluded. Under Malone’s direction, the Nuggets experienced their only NBA championship victory in 2023.
In the aftermath, David Adelman assumed the role of interim coach and later secured a permanent position after successfully navigating the team through the postseason. Notably, the Nuggets triumphed over the Los Angeles Clippers in a grueling seven-game series and pushed the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to a seventh game in the subsequent round.
Josh Kroenke expressed his admiration for Tenzer’s leadership during his interim role, highlighting how he won the respect and trust of players, coaches, and staff amidst challenging circumstances. He also commended Wallace’s leadership qualities and his strong relational approach, expressing excitement about his return to Denver, where Wallace previously made his mark.
Tenzer, who is embarking on his 17th year with the Nuggets, has spent the last four years as the vice president of basketball operations. His collaboration with Booth encompassed all facets of the team’s strategy and execution. Additionally, Tenzer managed the Nuggets’ G-League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, for two seasons.
Jonathan Wallace’s return to the Nuggets comes after his three-year tenure as the director of player personnel for the Timberwolves. He also served as the general manager for Minnesota’s G-League team, the Iowa Wolves. Wallace initially joined the Nuggets as a basketball operations associate back in 2019, where he served as a scouting coordinator before heading to Minnesota.
Expressing confidence in the newly appointed executives, team owner E. Stanley Kroenke emphasized their dedication and the critical roles they have played within the organization. He is optimistic about their future contributions and leadership as they aim to propel the Nuggets towards continued success.