The Denver Nuggets - A History
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The Denver Nuggets: A Legacy of Change and Triumph
A Storied Beginning
As a charter franchise in the American Basketball Association (ABA), the Denver Nuggets were initially destined for Kansas City, Missouri. However, they relocated to Denver and started as the Denver Larks before becoming the Rockets?"a nod to the Rocket Trucking Company owned by the team’s owner. Sporting orange and black, the Rockets clinched division titles in 1970 and 1975 but struggled in postseason play.
Key Players and Name Change
Players like Byron Beck, Larry Jones, and Ralph Simpson marked the early years. Spencer Haywood, a controversial rookie during the 1969-70 season, attempted to go pro before graduating college, which the NBA initially opposed. Haywood averaged an impressive 30 points in his ABA season before joining the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA.
In 1974, seeking entrance into the NBA, the team held a contest to choose a new nickname, as the Houston Rockets already claimed their original moniker. The name "Nuggets"?"used by Denver’s 1949-50 NBA team?"was selected, with a logo featuring a miner holding an ABA ball.
Transition to the NBA
The Nuggets drafted and signed star players like David Thompson and Marvin Webster, and acquired Dan Issel and Bobby Jones with Larry Brown as coach. This star-studded lineup reached the ABA Finals in 1975-76. After the ABA folded, the Nuggets joined the NBA alongside the New York Nets, San Antonio Spurs, and Indiana Pacers.
Denver’s early NBA years were marked by division titles but postseason challenges continued. Brown’s departure in 1979 led to a brief decline until Doug Moe’s arrival in 1981. Moe’s "run-and-gun" philosophy focused on a rapid scoring style with little emphasis on defense, turning the Nuggets into an offensive powerhouse.
The Moe Era and Offensive Excellence
Led by scoring titans Alex English and Kiki Vandeweghe, the Nuggets consistently topped the league in scoring. On December 13, 1983, the Nuggets faced the Detroit Pistons in a historic game that combined for an NBA record 370 points, with Detroit winning in triple overtime.
Despite trading Vandeweghe before the 1984-85 season, newcomers like Fat Lever, Calvin Natt, and Wayne Cooper maintained the team’s competitive edge under English’s leadership. The Nuggets reached the Western Conference finals but were ultimately outmatched by the dominant Los Angeles Lakers.
A Period of Struggles and Resurgence
Moe's departure in 1990 led to a downturn for the Nuggets, compounded by unsuccessful seasons even with a high-scoring style under coach Paul Westhead. The team’s fortunes began to change with the drafting of Dikembe Mutombo in 1992 and a playoff upset over the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics in 1993-94. However, consistency eluded them, and by 1997-98, the Nuggets flirted with setting the worst record in NBA history.
A New Era Begins with Carmelo Anthony
The 2003-04 season marked a turnaround with the drafting of Carmelo Anthony and strategic roster changes initiated by General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe. Adding pivotal players like Andre Miller and Marcus Camby, the Nuggets made a historic leap from a sub-20-win season to the playoffs.
Coaching changes in 2004, with George Karl taking the helm, led to an impressive 32-8 second-half record in the 2004-05 season. Despite playoff challenges against strong teams like the San Antonio Spurs, the Nuggets continued to push for growth.
The Iverson Era and Continued Battles
In 2006, the Nuggets brought in Allen Iverson, joining league-leading scorers Iverson and Anthony. Despite roster adjustments, including trading Earl Boykins for Steve Blake, the Nuggets faced tough competition in the Western Conference. Notably, a suspension incident involving Anthony and others highlighted the team’s continued resilience in adversity.
Conclusion
The Denver Nuggets' history is one of adaptation and ambition, marked by notable players, strategic changes, and thrilling seasons. As they continue to evolve, the Nuggets’ legacy remains a testament to their spirit and determination in the world of basketball.
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