The Denver Nuggets are making significant strides in their coaching roster, with the recent announcement of Chase Buford joining as an assistant coach. This move is part of a broader organizational restructuring as the team gears up for a pivotal upcoming season. Buford's addition, initially reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, signals the Nuggets' commitment to reinforcing their support staff.
Buford brings a wealth of experience from various levels of basketball. Before his stint as an assistant at Kansas during the 2024–25 collegiate season, he achieved remarkable success as the head coach of the Sydney Kings in Australia's NBL, guiding them to consecutive championships from 2021 to 2023. His career trajectory also includes valuable time in the NBA G League, where he served as an assistant for the Erie BayHawks (2017–18) and Delaware Blue Coats (2018–19) before taking the helm as head coach for the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks' affiliate, from 2019 to 2021. This diverse background positions him as a valuable asset to the Nuggets' new coaching paradigm.
This coaching staff enhancement occurs during a period of substantial transformation for the Denver franchise. The 2025–26 season will commemorate the Nuggets' 50th year in the NBA and will mark their inaugural season without Michael Malone at the helm since 2014, following his departure in April. Long-time assistant David Adelman has since been elevated to the head coaching position. The team's bench now boasts a formidable lineup of coaches, including J.J. Barea, John Beckett, Rodney Billups, Ryan Bowen, Jared Dudley, Mike Moser, Ognjen Stojakovic, Elvis Valcarcel, and the newly appointed Buford. Beyond the coaching changes, the Nuggets' front office has been active in reshaping the player roster, executing a trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson and acquiring Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings. Additionally, the team secured veterans Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to further strengthen the core rotation alongside star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, indicating a clear intent to build a more dynamic and competitive squad.
This comprehensive restructuring, encompassing both the coaching staff and player personnel, reflects the Nuggets' proactive approach to building a more resilient and versatile team. The integration of experienced professionals like Chase Buford into the coaching ranks, coupled with strategic player acquisitions, demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing performance. Such moves embody the spirit of continuous improvement and dedication to excellence that drives successful organizations, inspiring confidence in the team's future prospects and showcasing the power of adaptability and strategic planning in achieving ambitious goals.
