A familiar face graced the Nuggets’ practice court on Tuesday in Al Harrington, who was helping out a depleted coaching staff.
“We had a cameo appearance from Al Harrington,” Nuggets interim coach Melvin Hunt said. “It’s really good to have him around. I’m just excited about just having his face in the building.”
Harrington played two seasons with the Nuggets, from 2010-12, and quickly became a locker-room leader, in addition to being one of the toughest and most reliable players on the team. Nuggets coaches have been scrambling since the firing of Brian Shaw, which also saw the departure of assistants Lester Conner and Chris Farr.
So, down three coaches, the remaining staff — Patrick Mutombo, Noel Gillespie, Corsley Edwards and John Beckett — have had to take on more responsibility.
“They’re getting the trial by fire,” Hunt said, grinning. “They’re getting it right away. A major part of my philosophy as a coach, and now a head coach, I’ve always believed in development (of coaches). I want the assistant coaches to all taste it. I want them to all touch it. I want them to feel that healthy anxiety when you’re preparing to go before the team. I think it’s healthy.”
Harrington, meanwhile, is lending an extra hand during practice sessions.
“We don’t know what that’s going to evolve into,” Hunt said. “We’re just happy to have him here.”
Christopher Dempsey: cdempsey@denverpost.com or
