The Denver Nuggets, the 2023 NBA Champions have a rich and storied franchise history. Throughout their existence, the Nuggets have experienced both remarkable highs and disappointing lows. From unforgettable playoff runs to challenging rebuilding periods, the Nuggets’ journey has been filled with exciting moments and talented players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise, culminating in the recent championship.
The Early Years
The Nuggets’ NBA journey began in 1976 when they joined the league as one of the four former American Basketball Association (ABA) teams to merge. In their early years, the team showcased a fast-paced and high-scoring style of play, earning them the nickname “Run and Gun.” Notable players during this era included David Thompson, a high-flying shooting guard, and Dan Issel, a versatile center. The Nuggets made their mark with impressive regular-Season performances but struggled to find success in the playoffs.
The Alex English Era
The 1980s marked a significant period in Nuggets’ history with the emergence of Alex English, one of the franchise’s greatest players. English, known for his smooth scoring ability, led the team to nine consecutive playoff appearances from 1981 to 1990. Alongside English, the Nuggets boasted talented players like Kiki Vandeweghe and Fat Lever, who contributed to the team’s success. Despite their regular-Season dominance, the Nuggets faced early playoff exits during this era, falling short of reaching the NBA Finals.
The Carmelo Anthony Era
In 2003, the Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony, a highly touted young talent who brought newfound excitement to the franchise. Anthony, alongside players like Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, and Marcus Camby, led the Nuggets to multiple playoff appearances during the mid-2000s. In the 2008-2009 Season, the team reached new heights by advancing to the Western Conference Finals, only to be defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers. This marked the Nuggets’ most successful playoff run since their ABA days.
Rebuilding and the Rise of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Following the departure of Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets entered a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent. During this period, the team acquired promising players such as Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried, and Gary Harris. However, the true turning point came with the selection of Nikola Jokić in the 2014 NBA Draft. Jokić, a skilled center known for his exceptional passing and basketball IQ, quickly became the centerpiece of the Nuggets’ resurgence and was a franchise changing draft pick at 41st. With Jokić leading the way, the Nuggets returned to the playoffs in 2019, showcasing their potential. The addition of Michael Porter Jr, the 14th Pick in the 2018 NBA Draft who was a highly favored prospect in college was a significant gamble for the future as he sat his first NBA Season to heal from surgery to his back.
Recent Success
In recent years, the Nuggets have established themselves as a formidable force in the NBA’s Western Conference. Led by Nikola Jokić, the team has made consecutive playoff appearances and demonstrated a relentless fighting spirit. The emergence of Jamal Murray as a dynamic scoring guard further bolstered the Nuggets’ chances. In the 2020 playoffs, the Nuggets scripted an incredible comeback, erasing multiple 3-1 series deficits before falling short in the Western Conference Finals. By the 2022-23 Season, the Nuggets had become championship favorites, eliminating the Lakers in 4 Games in the Western Conference Finals and Heat in 5 to finally lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Denver Nuggets’ franchise history has been marked by exhilarating highs and challenging lows. From the electrifying play of David Thompson and the prolific scoring of Alex English to the success of Carmelo Anthony and the current dominance of Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets have showcased a strong tradition of talented players. The Nuggets’ recent success and the presence of their star players instill hope for a promising future that could extend to multiple championships.