Denver Nuggets' Legendary Point Guards: A Historical Review
Denver Nuggets' Legendary Point Guards: A Historical ...
By Jordan Samar September 05, 2024 05:36
Throughout the years, NBA history has registered the names of many star players who competed for the Denver Nuggets. The teams' point guards have significantly influenced the style of the games and the duration of the seasons during the various stages of their evolution. This article will present the point guards of the Denver Nuggets and their impact on the team, some of the most remarkable accomplishments, and how these players left lasting effects.
Fat Lever
Accomplishments and Contributions
Lever was a two-time NBA All-Star, gaining his one career selection to the All-NBA Second Team in 1987. He also landed on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1988 for his ability to guard effectively. That made Lever indispensable throughout his time with the Nuggets.
Memorable Moments
His signature game was a 31-point, 16-rebound, and 12-assist triple-double against the Chicago Bulls in 1987. What made it all the more impressive was that Johnson did it, showing off his versatility and monkey-on-your-back competitive nature.
Quotes and Anecdotes
As former Nuggets coach Doug Moe once said, "Fat Lever was just the type of guy who could do everything. He was our engine, and we were hard to stop when he fired.
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Career Overview
Another scoring sensation with a lightning-quick release, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, was drafted by the Nuggets in 1990. During the '90s, he stood out because his style was so different from anyone else's.
Awards and Contributions
Abdul-Rauf was famous for scoring explosions and was a focal point of the Nuggets' offense. In 1993, he was named the NBA's Most Improved Player, evidence that his continued improvement had not gone undetected.
Memorable Moments
An example of Abdul-Rauf at his best would be when he played against the Utah Jazz in 1995, where he dropped a cool 51 points.
Quotes and Anecdotes
Analyst and former player Charles Barkley once commented, "Mahmoud had one of quickest releases I've ever seen. He could heat up quickly."
The 2000s: Andre Miller
Career Overview
Andre Miller, a point guard celebrated for his vision and leadership on the floor, came to Denver in 2003. His consistent play and smart point guard skills made him an important player in the team's success in the early 2000s.
Accomplishments and Contributions
Miller, an even-keeled player lauded for his passing and court vision, was Mr. Consistent. He was the NBA assist leader in 2002 and factored into Denver's playoff appearances.
Memorable Moments
Miller's signature playoff game during his tenure with the Nuggets was a 31-point, five-assist effort against Minnesota in 2004. In it, he helped rally Denver from an early deficit to its first win of the post-season.
Quotes and Anecdotes
One of his former Nuggets teammates, Carmelo Anthony, said about Miller: "Andre was the smartest player on the court. He could see things before they happened and would elevate everyone around him."
The 2010s: Ty Lawson
Career Overview
Ty Lawson was one of the fastest-scoring guards. He made a huge impact for the Nuggets after being selected in 2009. His big-play persona and ability to attack a defense were impossible not to cheer for.
What you have done, and where
Lawson took the Nuggets to two post-season appearances and established a single-season team record for assists in 2014. His speed and scoring were vital in Denver's up-tempo game.
Memorable Moments
His 35 and 10 performance during a 2013 playoff game against the Golden State Warriors was the peak of Lawson's prowess and ceiling.
Quotes and Anecdotes
As coach George Karl said about Ty, "Nobody has his speed going to the basket. He's a game-changer."
Point Guard Legacies in Denver
For much of franchise history, the Denver Nuggets have been lucky to enjoy bench strength at the 1. Each man helped the team in his own distinct way, ranging from Ralph Simpson's earliest contributions to Fat Lever's versatility, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf's scoring, Andre Miller's leadership, and Ty Lawson's speed.
These point guards have been instrumental to the Nuggets' growth and helped mold what is now modern-day NBA basketball. How they think on their feet and secure the game has been precedent for good grades from then on.
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