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Former Nuggets Coach Melvin Hunt Joins Mavericks Staff

By Jay Knodell

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The Dallas Mavericks have made some changes to their basketball operations staff, headlined by the addition of former Denver Nuggets head coach Melvin Hunt. Rumors had been swirling that the two sides were nearing an agreement, but ESPN’s Marc Stein officially confirmed the chatter this evening.

Hunt, who also served as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2010 and Nuggets assistant from 2010 to his promotion following Brian Shaw‘s dismissal, will be replacing assistant coach Monte Mathis on the bench. According to Stein, Mathis has been offered the head coaching position for the Mavericks’ D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends.

If Mathis does take the job with the Legends he’ll be replacing former Maverick Eduardo Najera, who has been added to the Mavericks’ NBA scouting staff. Again, it’s Stein providing the insight.

Hunt was successful in his 23 games as head coach for the Nuggets. The team was 20-39 when he took over, but promptly won six of their first eight games. The team averaged 106.2 points per game with Hunt at the helm, way up from the 99.4 under Shaw.

In fact, the team was playing so well Hunt was told to rest healthy players in order to secure a high draft pick. He won’t have that problem in Dallas, where he’ll serve as a respected assistant until his next head coaching gig.

The NBA Draft is less than a week away! Check out our Draft Profiles on potential Mavericks selections!

Tyus Jones – Duke, FR.

Justin Anderson – Virginia, JR.

Rashad Vaughn – UNLV, FR.

Kevon Looney – UCLA, FR. 

Montrezl Harrell – Louisville, JR. 

Robert Upshaw – Washington, SO.

Sam Dekker – Wisconsin, JR. 

R.J. Hunter – Georgia State, JR.

Jerian Grant – Notre Dame, SR.

Cameron Payne – Murray State, SO. 

Next: 5 Things to Know About LaMarcus Aldridge

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