The Denver Nuggets have been somewhat busy (slower than most fans would like), making new additions to the roster. They've added Marvin Bagley III, Trevon Brazile, Alpha Diallo, and brought back Tyus Jones. They still have three open roster spots, but their focus for new additions isn't just limited to the court. The Nuggets are interested in making an addition to the coaching staff as well.
Marc Stein delivered the rumor via The Stine Line (subscription required) that the Nuggets are still looking to add an assistant coach to help out David Adelman, and that their search is leaning on former Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger. Joerger spent 2025-26 as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks.
"Denver is seen as an increasingly likely landing spot for former Grizzlies and Kings coach Dave Joerger."
"The Stein Line first reported in late June that Joerger had interviewed with the Nuggets in their search for a more experienced top assistant to head coach David Adelman," Stein said.
It doesn't appear that the Nuggets are looking to subtract any assistant coaches, just that they are potentially looking to add Joerger. This cannot be a boost of confidence to Nuggets head coach David Adelman in any way, shape, or form. But from my perspective, it's a needed addition after what seemed like a lack of leadership during the Nuggets' first-round playoff disaster against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Adleman may need a seasoned voice in his ear
Adelman did a good job of managing all of the injuries that piled up as the season wore on, getting the Nuggets to 54 wins and a third-place finish in the crowded Western Conference. But he made some questionable decisions in the playoffs that he may like to have back now. Like not having someone respond to Jaden McDaniels after he called out the Nuggets by name as bad defenders.
Adelman also never made the proper adjustments against the Timberwolves, and he left an injured Christian Braun on the court to play rather than using a perfectly healthy and capable Julian Strawther.
Perhaps the biggest benefit Joerger would provide is the voice of a veteran coach in Adelman's ear. Adelman was a rookie head coach last year after all. And maybe Joerger could even be the one to inspire the team a little more for motivation. They could use something like that. It was lost when Adelman replaced former Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.
It's a novel idea from the front office, but it's not confidence-inspiring for Adelman, whose confidence was already on shaky ground. Perhaps Adelman is on a shorter leash this season than we realize?
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