The Top 10 Denver Nuggets of All-Time
The Top 10 Denver Nuggets of All-Time
By Arslan Saleem August 12, 2024 10:13
The Denver Nuggets have a long and storied history, chock full of great players and moments throughout their decorated stay in the Association. From their inception in the ABA through today, they have experienced some of the best players worldwide. Here is a breakdown of the top 10 Denver Nuggets players, including their contributions, accolades, and lasting perception.
1. Alex English
- Years Played: 1980-1991
Key Stats and Achievements:
- Points per Game: 25.9
- Rebounds per Game: 5.6
- Assists per Game: 3.3
- All-Star Appearances: 8
- NBA Scoring Champion: 1983
- Hall of Fame Inductee: 1997
Impact and Significance:
A two-time All-Star who played on the 1978 NBA championship team and ranks sixth in franchise history with 15.3 points per game over nine seasons amid his time there from joining them in 1980. English was a good mid-range shooter and perfect for the up-tempo offense that characterized 1980s Denver. The scoring made him a key figure on nine consecutive playoff teams, and in 1985, the Nuggets won their only two postseason series since losing to the New York Knicks in four games of that year's conference finals.
2. Carmelo Anthony
- Years Played: 2003-2011
Key Stats and Achievements:
- Points per Game: 24.8
- Rebounds per Game: 6.3
- Assists per Game: 3.1
- All-Star Appearances: 4
- All-NBA First Team: 2013
Impact and Significance:
The Nuggets' excitement level reached a new height when Melo was drafted third overall in 2003. He was an all-time great scorer in the making and well on his way to becoming one of the franchise's faces. He helped the Nuggets to a number of playoff appearances, including one all the way through the Western Conference Finals in 2009.
Melo had a killer jump shot and post-up game and was able to get it done down low close to the basket. He required a presence on the court, and double teams in the paint left more room for his teammates to play. Even though he later moved on to the New York Knicks, his imprint left a significant mark in creating and sustaining what was considered an all-time standard for the Denver Nuggets.
3. Dan Issel
- Years Played: 1971-1985
Key Stats and Achievements:
- Points per Game: 16.5
- Rebounds per Game: 8.3
- Assists per Game: 2.5
- All-Star Appearances: 3
- Denver Nuggets All-Time Rebound Leader
Impact and Significance:
Dan Issel was a monster inside for the Nuggets. At 6 feet 9 inches, he played center with a skill and toughness not often seen in that position. Issel was signed by the Nuggets, with whom he had played for one year during his ABA days, and went on to become Denver's leader in several categories, chiefly rebounds.
4. Nikola Jokić
- Years Played: 2015-Present
Key Stats and Achievements:
- PPG: 24.8 (thru' 2024 season)
- Rebounds per Game: 11.8
- Assists per Game: 7.9
- MVP Awards: 2 (2021, 2022)
- NBA Champion: 2023
Impact and Significance:
His unusual set of weapons and skills as a passing shooting center is changing the game. His vision and understanding of the game are elite, allowing him to be a conductor on offense who makes other players better.
In addition, his MVPs have cemented him as one of the top players in today's NBA, and then he took out the prestigious NBA Finals award to help the Nuggets win their first-ever championship in 2023. That has made Jokić a fan favorite in Denver, praised for his selfless game and ability to make the players around him better.
5. Kiki Vandeweghe
Years Played: 1980-1990
Key Stats and Achievements:
- Points per Game: 21.6
- Rebounds per Game: 5.6
- Assists per Game: 3.4
- All-Star Appearances: 2
Impact and Significance:
Vandeweghe went on to be the top scorer and a major presence during the Nuggets' high-flying offense of that decade. His ability to hit the three and compete at the rim made him a Swiss Army knife. Vandeweghe, on the scoring end, complemented Alex English to make one of the most potent duos in the league.
6. Marcus Camby
- Years Played: 2002-2008
Key Stats and Achievements:
- Points per Game: 11.1
- Rebounds per Game: 10.3
- Blocks per Game: 3.3
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year: 2007
- First Team All-Defense (2006, 2007)
Impact and Significance:
The Nuggets' front line was anchored by Marcus Camby, who had proved himself as the sort of shot-blocking and rebounding presence a team could build their defense around at that point in his career. During his Nuggets career, he changed the complexion of Denver's defense as one of the league leaders in Points Allowed, Steals, and Blocks.
7. Fat Lever
- Years Played: 1984-1990
Key Stats and Achievements:
- Points per Game: 18.9
- Rebounds per Game: 6.5
- Assists per Game: 7.9
- All-Star Appearances: 1
Impact and Significance:
The “all-around” game of a dynamic point guard named Fat Lever. Scoring, rebounding, and passing were parts of English's arsenal that helped drive the Nuggets during their heyday in the 1980s. Lever was a key to the team's success in conference tournament play, as his versatility enabled him to affect games on both ends of the floor.
Lever's captaincy and playmaking still make him one of the most decorated Nuggets in team history, even with all their delicious championship x-factors last year.
8. Byron Beck
- Years Played: 1967-1977
Key Stats and Achievements:
- Points per Game: 11.5
- Rebounds per Game: 7.0
- Games Played: 747
- The first jersey to ever be retired by the Nuggets
Impact and Significance:
Beck was one of the early players to sign with the Nuggets and helped put a face on the franchise. Adams' scoring and rebounding prowess helped make the Nuggets competitive in the ABA. Beck was the driving force behind that team and is still one of the most beloved figures in Nuggets history.
9. T.R. Dunn
- Years Played: 1981-1991
Key Stats and Achievements:
- Points per Game: 9.0
- Rebounds per Game: 4.0
- Games Played: 734
- 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team
Impact and Significance:
He was a defensive specialist, which is not to say he couldn't score. The Nugget's success in the first half of this decade hinged upon Winters's play and leadership and T.R. Dunn's. His defense, smarts, and work ethic set an ad hoc benchmark for future Nuggets players, making him one of the biggest slept-on figures in franchise history.
10. Allen Iverson
- Years Played: 2006-2010
Key Stats and Achievements:
- Points per Game: 26.0
- Assists per Game: 7.1
- All-Star Appearances: 4
Impact and Significance:
When Allen Iverson came to the Nuggets in 2006, he brought them a new level of excitement. He was also a fan favorite for his scoring prowess and tenacity, helping the Nuggets make the playoffs during their run.
His presence as a fierce competitor on the floor and an unapologetic winner accentuated what would be promised to many Sixer fans in 1996. In Denver, his tenure is noted for his dynamic style of play and leading the franchise to great success.
The Denver Nuggets have been the stomping grounds for plenty of great players who left their mark on this franchise, forever creating lasting memories. These top 10 players will always be remembered within the franchise moving forward.
SHOP Mystery Signed Memorabilia
-
Mystery Signed Football 8x10 Photo
- Regular price
- $29.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $29.99
- Unit price
- per
-
Mystery Signed Baseball Jersey
- Regular price
- $69.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $69.99
- Unit price
- per
-
Mystery Signed Football Jersey
- Regular price
- $69.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $69.99
- Unit price
- per
-
Mystery Signed Baseball 8x10 Photo
- Regular price
- $29.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $29.99
- Unit price
- per
LATEST
- NEWS
- |
- ARTICLES
- |
- VIDEOS
FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK
