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The Denver Nuggets have added an experienced voice to David Adelman’s coaching staff, hiring longtime NBA head coach Dave Joerger as the franchise’s lead assistant.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday that Joerger agreed to join Denver after spending the past two seasons as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks. The move gives Adelman, who is entering his second full season as the Nuggets’ head coach, a veteran assistant with more than a decade of NBA bench experience.

Joerger brings an extensive coaching résumé that spans nearly three decades. After beginning his career with the Dakota Wizards in 1997, he won multiple championships in the NBA Development League before joining the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant in 2007. He was promoted to Memphis’ head coaching position in 2013 and compiled a 147-99 regular-season record over three seasons while guiding the Grizzlies to three consecutive playoff appearances.

He later coached the Sacramento Kings from 2016 to 2019 before returning to an assistant role with the Philadelphia 76ers from 2020 to 2023. Most recently, he served on Doc Rivers’ staff with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

Denver’s decision to add Joerger comes after a season that produced a 54-28 record and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The Nuggets finished the regular season on a 12-game winning streak but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games.

Despite the early postseason exit, Denver remained one of the league’s most efficient offensive teams behind Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 65 games while earning First Team All-NBA honors. Jamal Murray also delivered one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 25.4 points and 7.1 assists while shooting 43.5% from three-point range across 75 games.

The coaching addition arrives during an offseason of significant roster turnover. Jonas Valanciunas was waived, while sixth-place Sixth Man of the Year finisher Tim Hardaway Jr. left in free agency after averaging 13.5 points and shooting 40.7% from beyond the arc. Denver has responded by adding Marvin Bagley III and Alpha Diallo while re-signing Tyus Jones, though the roster still has openings to fill before training camp.

The organization also continues to navigate restricted free agent Peyton Watson’s contract situation. Watson emerged as a key two-way contributor in 2025-26, averaging 14.6 points while converting 41.1% of his three-point attempts. His negotiations remain one of the franchise’s biggest offseason priorities as Denver attempts to balance its championship aspirations with second-apron luxury tax concerns.

For Adelman, bringing in Joerger provides immediate experience on a staff already featuring former NBA players and coaches including J.J. Barea, Jared Dudley and Chase Buford.