Nuggets strengthen bench
Denver Nuggets hire veteran Dave Joerger as top assistant to bolster coaching staff
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Key Points
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Memphis Grizzlies tenure: Joerger posted a 147-99 regular-season record over three seasons as Memphis' head coach, including a 55-27 campaign in 2014-15.
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Sacramento Kings tenure: He went 98-148 as Kings head coach before being dismissed in 2019 after three seasons without a playoff appearance.
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Cleveland advisory role: After his head-coaching stints, Joerger spent time in Cleveland as an adviser to J.B. Bickerstaff, expanding his NBA résumé beyond head coaching.
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Overseas interest: In June he drew interest from Melbourne United and Paris Basketball but ultimately chose to remain in the NBA in an assistant role.
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Nuggets context: Denver finished 54-28 last season, earned the Western Conference No. 3 seed, and were knocked out in the first round by the Timberwolves—a backdrop the team cites for adding a veteran bench voice.
The Denver Nuggets have hired Dave Joerger as their lead assistant coach under head coach David Adelman, multiple outlets confirmed. Joerger brings nearly 20 years of NBA experience, including head coaching stints with two franchises and a combined regular-season record of 245-247. The Score and ClutchPoints both reported the deal.
The move is a direct response to Denver's painful first-round exit last spring. The Nuggets finished 54-28, earned the Western Conference's No. 3 seed, and were knocked out by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Adding a seasoned veteran voice to Adelman's bench was a clear front-office priority heading into next season.
Joerger's Head Coaching Record in Memphis and Sacramento
Joerger spent three seasons as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, going 147-99. His best year came in 2014-15, when he led Memphis to a 55-27 record. That run established him as a respected defensive-minded coach in the league, according to The Score.
He then moved to Sacramento, where he went 98-148 over three seasons with the Kings. The Kings never made the playoffs during that stretch, and Sacramento dismissed him in 2019. His combined head coaching record stands at 245-247 across six seasons.
Life After Head Coaching: Bucks, Cavaliers, and Cancer Battle
After leaving Sacramento, Joerger did not return to a head coaching job. He worked as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks. He also served as an adviser to then-Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, rounding out his résumé beyond a top role, according to TalkBasket.
Essentially Sports noted that Joerger is also a cancer survivor, a detail that has drawn attention as he returns to a prominent NBA role. His path back to the league reflects both personal resilience and sustained professional demand.
Joerger Turned Down Overseas Offers to Stay in NBA
Joerger had options outside the United States. In June, he drew interest from Melbourne United in Australia and Paris Basketball in France. He chose to stay in the NBA instead, according to Essentially Sports. That decision led directly to the Nuggets' offer.
Why Denver Needed a Veteran Voice on the Bench
Adelman is heading into just his second season as Denver's head coach. The Nuggets have a strong core built around Nikola Jokic, but the first-round loss raised questions about the coaching staff's depth. ClutchPoints noted the front office saw adding a veteran bench voice as a key offseason need.
Denver also faces pressure from the NBA's second apron rules, which limit how teams can build rosters through spending. That makes smart, experienced coaching more valuable. Joerger's 20 years of NBA experience fits exactly what the Nuggets were looking for, according to Denver Gazette.
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