Denver Nuggets Add JJ Barea and Rodney Billups to Coaching Staff

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The Denver Nuggets are reshaping their coaching staff heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, making notable additions in former NBA guard JJ Barea and longtime basketball figure Rodney Billups. According to reports from Shams Charania of ESPN and Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Nuggets have agreed to hire both coaches in a move that reflects the changing direction under new head coach David Adelman. Barea, known for his tenacious play during his time with the Dallas Mavericks, most recently worked as a player development coach in Dallas and as head coach for Puerto Rico’s Mets de Guaynabo in 2023. He also had a stint as a player with the Minnesota Timberwolves under head coach Rick Adelman, the father of the Nuggets’ new head coach. This connection likely helped pave the way for Barea’s transition to Denver, where his experience both on the court and on the sidelines should serve as a valuable asset to a team looking to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Rodney Billups brings his own pedigree and familiarity with the Nuggets organization. The younger brother of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Rodney has worked as a college head coach at the University of Denver and most recently served as a regional scout for the Brooklyn Nets. He’s been a frequent presence at Nuggets games and has deep ties to the Colorado basketball scene, making him a natural fit for the franchise.

These hires signal a strategic shift from the staff built under former head coach Michael Malone. Departing coaches include Ryan Saunders, Charles Klask, Popeye Jones, and Stephen Graham. While some assistant coaches from the previous regime are expected to stay, the arrival of Barea and Billups introduces fresh perspectives that could influence both player development and on-court strategy.

Questions remain about how David Adelman will assign responsibilities, particularly on the defensive end where Saunders previously held a significant role. The team has reportedly shown interest in Dallas assistant coach Jared Dudley, suggesting more changes could be on the horizon.

As the Nuggets look to maintain their status as a championship contender, the addition of Barea and Billups could provide the kind of coaching depth and relatability to players that often goes unnoticed—until it matters most.