Major Overhaul Underway in the Mile High City: With David Adelman Officially Taking the Helm, the Denver Nuggets Part Ways with Entire Assistant Coaching Staff Including Ryan Saunders

Major Overhaul Underway in the Mile High City: With David Adelman Officially Taking the Helm, the Denver Nuggets Part Ways with Entire Assistant Coaching Staff Including Ryan Saunders, Popeye Jones, Charles Klask, and Stephen Graham – What’s Next for the Defending Champs as They Begin a New Chapter on the Sidelines?

 

DENVER, CO – June 2, 2025 — In a move signaling a major shift for the Denver Nuggets organization, newly appointed head coach David Adelman will officially begin his tenure with a clean slate, as the team parts ways with assistant coaches Ryan Saunders, Popeye Jones, Charles Klask, and Stephen Graham. The decision, while not entirely unexpected, sends a clear message that a new era of Nuggets basketball is underway following a postseason that fell short of repeating the championship highs of 2023.

 

The shakeup was confirmed by team sources on Monday morning, with no immediate replacements named, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating on the future direction of Adelman’s coaching staff.

 

The departure of Ryan Saunders, the son of longtime NBA coach Flip Saunders, is especially noteworthy. Saunders brought a deep understanding of player development and was often credited with helping guide Jamal Murray’s offensive maturation. Popeye Jones, known for his strong work with the Nuggets’ frontcourt, including MVP center Nikola Jokić, was a respected voice on the bench. Charles Klask, a holdover from Michael Malone’s staff with a decade-long reputation for analytics-driven game preparation, and Stephen Graham, a key figure in player relations and day-to-day training, also leave significant gaps to fill.

 

This comprehensive staff turnover offers David Adelman a blank canvas as he looks to mold the Nuggets in his own image. Adelman, who served as the team’s lead assistant for the past three seasons, has been praised for his strategic acumen and rapport with players. Known for his poise, detailed scouting, and basketball IQ — perhaps inherited in part from his father, Rick Adelman, a legendary NBA head coach — David has long been considered a head coach-in-waiting. Now, the spotlight is firmly on him.

 

The big question now becomes: Who will join Adelman on the sidelines?

 

Several prominent names could be in contention to round out the new-look Nuggets bench. Former NBA head coaches like Terry Stotts or Frank Vogel may be considered if the franchise seeks veteran guidance alongside Adelman. Alternatively, Denver could lean into rising coaching talents — perhaps promoting from within their G League affiliate or tapping into the NBA’s growing pool of highly touted assistants, such as Sam Cassell, Jordi Fernandez (a former Nuggets assistant himself), or Kevin Young.

 

Player development will almost certainly be a focal point for whoever fills these vacancies. With the core of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon intact but aging, the Nuggets will likely emphasize grooming younger talent like Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and any new additions from the upcoming draft. A modern, flexible coaching staff capable of both fostering development and delivering tactical innovation will be critical if Denver hopes to remain competitive in a stacked Western Conference.

 

Fan reaction has been mixed. While many acknowledge that coaching transitions are inevitable, especially after a disappointing second-round playoff exit, some have expressed concern about disrupting the chemistry and continuity that helped the Nuggets rise to the top. Others view the transition as a necessary refresh — a chance to bring in new ideas and energy that could reignite Denver’s championship aspirations.

 

“This is a pivotal offseason for the Nuggets,” said NBA insider Shams Charania. “Adelman has the trust of the front office and players, but now he has the rare opportunity to build a staff entirely from scratch. How he approaches that process could define the next chapter of this team’s legacy.”

 

Indeed, it’s not just about the Xs and Os. The incoming assistants will need to connect with a locker room that has grown accustomed to a close-knit, stable coaching unit. Earning the trust of Jokić, one of the most cerebral and unique superstars in the league, will be especially vital.

 

For now, the basketball world waits and watches. As the Nuggets pivot into an offseason filled with questions, one thing is certain — change is here in Denver, and David Adelman is at the center of it all.

 

Stay tuned as this story develops. Denver’s next championship puzzle may begin — not on the court — but on the whiteboard in a coach’s office.