Denver Nuggets: Looking Back & Forward

The Denver Nuggets are one of the few NBA teams that made the transfer to the league from the ABA. In their 41st season in the league, the Nuggets were first called the "Denver Rockets" up until 1974. The first coach to head the team was Bob Bass, then followed up by names such as Joe Belmont, Larry Brown, Donnie Walsh, Dan Issel, Mike D'Antoni, Michael Cooper, among several others in between and after.

The Nuggets were beginning to look quickly like a very promising and competitive team with captain David Thompson leading the way, but eventually came to roadblocks as any new team would. In 1979, Alex English would come to the franchise and put down his staff, eventually getting enshrined in the Hall of Fame along with Dan Issel and David Thompson. Coaches John McLendon and Larry Brown were also Hall of Fame additions that once represented the team. Alex English, Dan Issel, and David Thompson also all had their jerseys retired along with coach Doug Moe and Byron Beck.

Despite their early optimism, the Nuggets seem to have become worse and worse up until recent years. They posted their best record early in '70/'71 at 65-19, and then their worst more recently in '97/'98 at a miserable 11-71. The Nuggets have been renewed upon drafting talent Carmelo Anthony, though. Other young and promising players currently on the roster are J.R. Smith and Nené Hilario. Kenyon Martin has recently become healthy and the Nuggets traded Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for "Big Shot" point guard Chauncey Billups. Billups is seen as a better compliment for Carmelo Anthony, and no one should be surprised if he manages to lead the league in scoring with his new teammate. The Denver Nuggets have a bright future, and they are ready to begin blossoming now.