The Denver Nuggets had a solid season, finishing 50-32. After the season ended, David Adelman was promoted to full-time head coach. The move came after the surprise firing of Michael Malone, but the Nuggets responded well, pushing the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder to a Game 7 under Adelman’s guidance.
Now that Adelman has the top job, he’s building out his coaching staff, and one big name on his list is Jared Dudley. Finding the right coaches is key, and Adelman’s late-season success has given him a strong voice in shaping the bench.
Denver Nuggets Are Eyeing All Guns for Jared Dudley
As reported by NBA insider Marc Stein, the Nuggets are making a strong push to hire Jared Dudley away from the Dallas Mavericks. The Nuggets have already hired Mavericks fan favorite J.J. Barea to join Adelman’s bench, and Dudley could be next.
Marc Stein posted on X, “As covered here Saturday: Denver is making a strong push to hire Dallas’ Jared Dudley to fill a lead role on David Adelman’s first coaching staff and the Nuggets have already secured longtime Mavericks fan favorite JJ Barea to join Adelman’s bench.”
As covered here Saturday: Denver is making a strong push to hire Dallas’ Jared Dudley to fill a lead role on David Adelman’s first coaching staff and the Nuggets have already secured longtime Mavericks fan favorite JJ Barea to join Adelman’s bench. https://t.co/d7HqeJYTo0
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2025
Dudley is currently the third assistant under head coach Jason Kidd in Dallas and is reportedly looking for a promotion, but the Nuggets aren’t the only ones interested. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies are also believed to be keeping an eye on him.
Meanwhile, Dallas may try to keep Dudley, especially after losing lead assistant Sean Sweeney to the San Antonio Spurs.
Dudley Has Built a Strong Coaching Reputation
Dudley had a 14-year NBA career, playing for the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers. While he never won a title as a player, he was known for his leadership both on and off the court.
Jared Dudley would like to stay in Dallas as an assistant coach, per @GrantAfseth
“All signs indicate that Dudley would prefer to remain in Dallas, especially given the vacancy created by Sean Sweeney’s departure. However, he currently serves as the Mavericks’ No. 3 assistant,… pic.twitter.com/NEZmf41BjL
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) June 24, 2025
Dudley played 904 games in the NBA, averaging 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, but his coaching stock soared when he joined Kidd’s staff after retirement. He has helped develop Dallas’ wings and earned praise from Luka Dončić, Jaden Hardy, and Josh Green.
Dudley also helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals. While Phoenix once showed interest in adding him to their staff, Dudley’s options are expanding fast, and Denver might be where he finally gets his spotlight.
