There’s a new sign in the Nuggets’ practice gym that shows what David Adelman is all about.

Under a large banner celebrating the franchise’s 2023 championship, there’s a sign that reads “Age quod agis.” The Latin phrase is often translated to mean “do what you are doing” or “do well whatever you do.” Adelman explained how he continues to apply the thought in his personal and professional life.

“That is just something I’ve always lived by, something I’ve always loved. Basically, it just means do what you’re doing. That means, right now, if they’re working on ‘PD’ (player development) work on ‘PD’ and be fully conscious of what you’re trying to do. If you’re at home with your family, be with your family,” Adelman said after a recent Nuggets practice at Ball Arena.

“I think in today’s world, we’re all thinking about three different things at once. That leads to a lot of sub-par activity in life.”

There’s plenty for Adelman to ponder ahead of his first full season coaching the Nuggets. There’s a new member of the starting lineup, Cam Johnson. There’s a balance of trying to get Johnson up to speed with the four other starters while still trying to make the most of his versatile game. Denver’s also spent a lot of the preseason talking about defensive changes implemented by new assistant Jared Dudley.

“Going into this year, having a full (offseason) to prepare and do things David’s way, I think it will be a better year all around,” Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said.

“Hopefully this next couple of months gives us a chance to prepare for those playoffs.”

The Nuggets’ second unit is still a work in progress. Bruce Brown is back, but the group’s identity is going to change thanks to Jonas Valanciunas’s arrival. Adelman has talked about playing Valanciunas and Nikola Jokic together, but he’s had to balance the desire to see that group together against allowing the first and second units to build as much chemistry as possible ahead of Thursday’s season opener at Golden State.

Adelman has said a lot of rotation decisions will be made on a night-to-night basis. It’s not an easy approach for players or coaches, but the quote offers a helpful reminder.

“Just to stay in the moment, it’s a long season, and that quote means a lot. It’s real simple, but nothing is these days,” Adelman said.

“Simplicity usually wins out.”

The quote is attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola, who helped found the Society of Jesus or Jesuit Order. Adelman attended and played basketball at Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Ore., under Gene Potter. Adelman returned to his high school to coach under Potter early in his coaching career, though he didn’t take Latin in high school. The two remain close, as Potter attended some of the Nuggets’ practices prior to the start of last season’s playoffs.

“They pushed on us quite a bit. It stuck with me forever, so, obviously, it worked. Some really important people to me that led me in my life, they live by that. It’s important to me. I think it’s good for the guys to read it. It’s real simple. It’s not a bunch of ‘BS.’ It’s legit,” Adelman said.

“I believe in it.”