Denver Nuggets Add Former Mavericks Champion J.J. Barea as Assistant Coach

The Denver Nuggets have been actively reshaping their roster and coaching staff in preparation for the 2025-2026 NBA season. They have signed sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. to a one-year deal and lost longtime bench player Vlatko Cancar, who is returning to Europe after an ACL injury sidelined him for the previous season. On the coaching front, the Nuggets have made significant hires, including bringing in Jared Dudley as the lead assistant coach under David Adelman and signing former Dallas Mavericks player and 2011 NBA champion J.J. Barea as an assistant coach. Barea, who spent most of his playing career with the Mavericks and recently transitioned into coaching, reunites with Adelman, with whom he previously worked during his stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves. These moves indicate Denver's commitment to bolstering both their roster depth and coaching expertise as they aim to compete at a high level in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks face challenges maintaining their coaching staff continuity but have secured Frank Vogel as a key assistant, signaling their intent to remain competitive despite these changes.