The Denver Nuggets are looking to add a notable top assistant to their coaching staff, with former Doc Rivers assistant Dave Joerger gaining attention. ## What happened?
The Nuggets decided not to move on from their head coach, David Adelman, despite a shocking first-round exit in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Their recent form has been 1W-0D-1L, with their last result being a 127-117 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on 2025-03-27.
Why it matters for Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets want to infuse their coaching staff with more experience, and Joerger's background as a former NBA head coach makes him an attractive candidate. He started his NBA career in the developmental league in 2004 and joined the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant in 2007.
What comes next?
Joerger's options for his next gig include the Nuggets and Paris Basketball, who are trying to lure him to Europe to take over. As the Grizzlies head coach, Joerger's teams made the playoffs each time, peaking in round two. He was also the head coach of the Sacramento Kings from 2016 to 2019.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Joerger started his NBA career in the developmental league |
| 2007 | Joerger joined the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant |
| 2013 | Joerger was named the Grizzlies head coach |
| 2016 | Joerger signed with the Sacramento Kings as their head coach |
| 2020 | Joerger was added to Doc Rivers' Philadelphia 76ers staff |
| 2024 | Joerger joined Rivers' Milwaukee Bucks staff |
| 2026 | Rivers stepped down, and Joerger is back on the open market |
The Nuggets' interest in Joerger is likely due to his experience and ability to support head coach David Adelman. With Nikola Jokić leading the team, the Nuggets are looking to make a deep playoff run. Joerger's addition could be a key factor in their success. As of now, the Nuggets are still in talks with Joerger, and it remains to be seen if he will join their staff. The team's recent performance, including their win over the Milwaukee Bucks, shows promise for the upcoming season. With the right coaching staff in place, the Nuggets could be a strong contender in the NBA.