The Denver Nuggets have made a notable addition to their coaching staff as former NBA guard J.J. Barea has reportedly accepted a position as an assistant coach. This announcement comes on the second day of free agency, where Barea is set to don a suit and tie rather than a jersey as he takes his place on the Nuggets’ bench.
Barea, now 41, enjoyed a successful 14-season career in the NBA from 2005 to 2019. He is best remembered for his long tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent 11 seasons and played a crucial role on the team that won the NBA Championship in 2011, defeating a star-studded Miami Heat team led by LeBron James. Throughout his postseason career, Barea averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.2 rebounds across six championship games.
In addition to his playing career, Barea has transitioned into coaching, demonstrating his commitment to the game. He previously coached Indios de Mayagüez in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional in 2017 and served as the player development coach for the Mavericks. Most recently, he returned to Puerto Rico to lead the Mets de Guaynabo in 2023.
This offseason has been eventful for the Nuggets, highlighted by a significant trade where they exchanged forward Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick for Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets. Additionally, they welcomed back Bruce Brown, who was a key contributor during their championship run in 2023.
Barea’s addition to the coaching staff signifies the Nuggets’ commitment to fostering young talent, as they continue to combine veteran experience with fresh perspectives. His background and knowledge of the game will no doubt be valuable assets as the Nuggets strive to build upon their recent successes.