SHOCKING Connection: How Luka's Mentor Could Transform Jokić Into UNSTOPPABLE Force!
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly showing strong interest in adding former NBA guard J.J. Barea to their coaching staff, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Barea, who played alongside Luka Dončić with the Dallas Mavericks from 2018-2020, served as a veteran mentor to the young star during Dončić's rookie season. The Puerto Rican guard concluded his 14-year NBA career in 2020 after playing his final two seasons with Dallas.
"The Nuggets, I'm told, have also shown strong interest in ex-Mavericks guard J.J. Barea for a spot on Adelman's staff," Stein reported. "Barea has been HC for multiple teams in his native Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional."
Since retiring from the NBA, Barea has gained valuable head coaching experience in Puerto Rico's premier basketball league, the Baloncesto Superior Nacional. His international coaching background could prove beneficial for Denver's management of players from abroad, particularly given the Nuggets' roster composition.
The potential addition of Barea comes as Denver looks to revamp their coaching staff following another second-round playoff exit. The Nuggets finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 50-32 record but fell to the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games during the Western Conference Semifinals.
This marks the second consecutive year Denver has been eliminated in the second round, failing to match their 2023 championship run. The organization has struggled to maintain their championship core, with key departures impacting their depth and overall roster construction.
Denver faces several roster decisions this offseason, including potential free agents Russell Westbrook, DeAndre Jordan, and Vlatko Čančar. Westbrook holds a player option that could significantly impact the team's salary cap flexibility and roster planning.
The Nuggets remain committed to championship contention with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray leading their core. Adding experienced coaching voices like Barea could provide valuable perspective as they attempt to return to title contention.