Hughes began with the Nuggets in 1998 as Director of Scouting and was subsequently named Director of Player Personnel. He moved to the bench as an assistant coach prior to the start of the 1998-99 campaign. Hughes also spent seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, as head scout during the 1997-98 season and as a regional scout during the previous six campaigns.

The 6'11" Hughes, is a veteran of six seasons in the ABA and the NBA, beginning his career with the New York Nets of the ABA in 1975-76 where he was named to the All-Rookie First Team. Hughes signed with the Nuggets in 1978 and finished his NBA career in Cleveland in 1981.

Hughes played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin from 1970-74 before playing professionally in Italy during the 1974-75 season. When his NBA career ended in 1981, Hughes returned to Italy, playing in Rome (Reggio Calabria) and Milan (Innocenti) until he retired in 1989.

A native of Freeport, Ill., Hughes and his wife, Christy, are the parents of four children; Ryan, Megan, Maddison and Caitlin.