The Denver Nuggets are strengthening their coaching staff by adding former NBA guard J.J. Barea as an assistant under new head coach David Adelman. Barea, who turned 41 last week, joins the Nuggets after a coaching stint with the Guaynabo Mets in Puerto Rico, where he was let go in May. His NBA career spanned from 2005 to 2019, primarily with the Dallas Mavericks, where he was instrumental in securing a championship in 2011.
Mark Stein initially reported the Nuggets’ interest in bringing Barea on board, and his connection with Adelman is noteworthy; Adelman was an assistant coach in Minnesota during Barea’s brief time with the Timberwolves from 2011 to 2014. This prior relationship played a key role in Adelman’s outreach to Barea for the coaching position.
In addition to Barea, the Nuggets have also confirmed the hiring of Rodney Billups, brother of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, as an assistant. Rodney Billups previously worked alongside his brother in Portland and spent last season as a scout for the Brooklyn Nets.
Furthermore, the Nuggets are exploring the possibility of hiring Jared Dudley, currently an assistant with the Mavericks, although no concrete decisions have been made on his potential move to Denver.
These staff additions reflect the Nuggets’ commitment to building a competitive team under Adelman, aiming not only to enhance their coaching strategy but also to foster a winning culture. The infusion of experienced players like Barea and established coaches like Billups will likely benefit the team’s development in the upcoming seasons.