The Denver Nuggets might be pursuing a former teammate of Luka Doncic to add to their coaching staff. That player happens to be J.J. Barea.

Barea was Doncic's teammate for two seasons from 2018 to 2020, being a veteran mentor to the young star. Doncic started out as a rookie while Barea was playing the second-to-last year of his career.

NBA insider Marc Stein provided intel on what the Nuggets might be planning to revamp their coaching staff. One of their options is Barea, believing they have strong interest in the former guard.

“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 said.

“Barea has been HC for multiple teams in his native Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional.”

What lies ahead for Nuggets this offseason

Article Continues Below
More Denver Nuggets News
Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman looks at the score against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Nuggets letting G League Rookie of the Year goRichard Pereira ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) talks to an official during a break in play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Shams puts all Nuggets Nikola Jokic trade speculation to bedJackson Stone ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) watches Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoot free throws in the second half of game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Nuggets’ nightmare scenario that would lead to unthinkable Nikola Jokic tradeZachary Howell ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts towards referee Sean Wright (4) after a play in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game four of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
Nuggets front office ‘not sure’ if Nikola Jokic will sign contract extensionPreston Byers ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) warms up before game seven of the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Josh Kroenke bizarrely brings up Nuggets-Nikola Jokic trade scenarioBenedetto Vitale ·
Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke (left) and president Josh Kroenke (right) during the championship parade after the Denver Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Finals.
Nuggets reunite with Timberwolves exec as part of front-office overhaulAlex House ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) watches the game from the bench in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

It would be an interesting move for the Nuggets to pursue Luka Doncic's former teammate in J.J. Barea to add to their coaching staff. His international coaching experience may prove to be valuable to Denver's prospects of managing players who come abroad.

The Nuggets are coming off a 50-32 record throughout the 2024-25 season. They reached the West Semifinals after beating the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round in seven games. However, their season came to an end after falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games, who went on to win the title.

This marks the second consecutive exit from the second round of the playoffs for the Nuggets. They haven't made a deep run since their title run in 2023, which has been difficult after losing key pieces of their championship core.

Denver has three players to address this summer. Russell Westbrook, DeAndre Jordan and Vlatko Cancar may be free agents. Westbrook has a player option to pick up or decline but improving their depth will be a point of emphasis.

The Nuggets hope to return to championship contention, especially with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray still in command. They still have the talent to compete in the playoffs; what matters now is they put together the right roster to return to the mountaintop.