J.J. Barea has made a remarkable shift from a celebrated NBA player to a coaching role with the Denver Nuggets, following a spontaneous start to his coaching career in Puerto Rico. His journey began in the summer of 2017 while attending a game in his hometown of Mayagüez. The local team, the Indios de Mayagüez, found themselves in a challenging situation after firing their coach mid-season. As the most recognizable basketball figure in attendance, Barea was approached by the team’s owner with an unexpected proposition: to step in as head coach.
Initially taken aback, Barea was uncertain about his ability to take on such a role. He sought clarity from Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and general manager Donnie Nelson, regarding any potential NBA restrictions on coaching in a separate league during the offseason. After receiving approval, he embraced the opportunity, guiding the Indios to a playoff berth.
From the Court to the Bench
Fast forward eight years, and Barea now serves as an assistant coach under head coach David Adelman with the Nuggets. His primary focus is on offensive strategies, but Adelman highlights that Barea’s contribution extends beyond tactics. “His attitude, his energy, and the way he relates to players are invaluable,” Adelman noted.
Barea’s connection to Puerto Rican basketball is deep-rooted, having played for local teams such as the Cangrejeros de Santurce before making his mark in the NBA. He made history in 2011, scoring 17 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, becoming the second Puerto Rican to win an NBA championship. His commitment to his homeland was evident when he rallied support for recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, using Cuban’s private plane to deliver essential supplies back to Puerto Rico.
Barea’s journey through basketball has always been influenced by a strong sense of community and teamwork. Growing up in Mayagüez, he participated in various sports, including tennis and volleyball, driven by a preference for team dynamics. “I liked team sports better,” he reflected. “The hangout, the traveling, competing and winning together—those were the best times.”
Building Relationships and Strategies
Barea’s long-standing relationship with Adelman began during their overlapping years in Minnesota, where he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the age difference, they quickly bonded over their shared passion for sports. “He was really good at talking with players and building relationships,” Barea said of Adelman. This connection ultimately led to Barea joining the Nuggets’ coaching staff.
In recent years, Barea has gained coaching experience with the Mets de Guaynabo, another Puerto Rican team. His ability to foster connections has already been evident during training camp, where he quickly built rapport with Nuggets players over shared interests, including golf.
Barea brings valuable insights to the Nuggets, particularly regarding offensive strategies that can benefit star player Nikola Jokic. “I’m focused on finding ways to make us better,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to enhance team dynamics based on his experiences in the NBA. Adelman appreciates Barea’s unique perspective, often seeking his input on historical plays from their mutual past, including those involving the legendary Dirk Nowitzki.
While his coaching style is influenced by his extensive playing career, Barea acknowledges the differences between NBA play and Puerto Rican basketball, which often emphasizes individual talent. He humorously remarked, “We like a lot of one-on-one” in Puerto Rican hoops, highlighting the passion that drives the game on the island.
Barea’s commitment to his roots extends beyond coaching; he has been actively involved in constructing a sports complex in San Juan. This facility, previously an abandoned school, aims to include basketball courts and a soccer field, with aspirations for the national team and possibly the Nuggets or Mavericks to hold training camps there.
Reflecting on his journey, Barea expressed enthusiasm for coaching, stating, “I’m enjoying it and doing better than I thought I would early in my career.” As he continues to learn and grow in this new role, Barea remains dedicated to sharing his passion for basketball and Puerto Rican culture with the players he coaches.
