Team Spotlight: Denver Nuggets

The Denver-based American professional basketball team known as the Denver Nuggets is a member of the Western Conference Northwest Division of the NBA (National Basketball Association). Back in 1967, however, they were founded as the Denver Larks. At that time, they were an ABA (American Basketball Association) franchise. Before the first season even began, the name was changed to Rockets. In 1976, they played for the ABA Title Championship, but lost to the New York Nets.

What's in a Name?

Have you ever wondered where the Denver Nuggets got their name?

In 1974 the franchise received its new name when it was christened the Denver Nuggets, according to team officials. Reportedly, the name honors the mining boom which took place in 19th-century Colorado. From all over the world, people came in hopes of mining silver and gold nuggets and striking it rich. The team's mascot was created, fittingly, as Maxie Miner.

According to the team, their logo (which can be found on their uniforms) gives a nod to the old Nuggets but allows the fans and the team to look forward by reflecting current Nugget era basketball.

Team colors consist of skyline blue, flatirons red, sunshine yellow, and midnight blue.

They have a total of three uniforms which are referred to as the Statement Edition, Icon Edition, and the Association Edition. On the Statement Edition, on the front, "Mile High City" is displayed – a first for any sport team from Denver.

Where the Nuggets Call Home

Currently, the Pepsi Center is home for NBA team, the Denver Nuggets.

This multipurpose arena is shared with the following Denver teams:

• NLL (National Lacrosse League) – Colorado Mammoth
• NHL (National Hockey League) – Colorado Avalanche

Team Accomplishments

With no conference championships and no NBA championships, the Nuggets have enjoyed success as division champions for the following years:

• 2019
• 2010
• 2009
• 2006
• 1988
• 1985
• 1978
• 1977, ‘76, and ‘75
• 1970

Arenas Played In

The Nuggets have played in the following arenas:

• Pepsi Center
• McNichols Sports Arena
• Denver Coliseum
• Denver Auditorium Arena

Denver Nuggets Personnel

The following are nonplayer personnel for the team:

• Michael Malone – head coach
• Artūras Karnišovas – general manager
• Josh Kroenke – President
• Anna Walton Kroenke – owner

Numbers Retired

The following are numbers that have been retired by the Denver Nuggets and the number’s associated player:

• 432 – Douglas Edwin Moe
• 55 – Dikembe Mutombo
• 44 – Daniel Paul Issel
• 40 – A. Byron Beck
• 33 – David O'Neill Thompson
• 12 – Lafayette Lever “Fat”
• 2 – Alexander English

In addition to players whose numbers have been retired, some of the best players of all time having played for the Denver Nuggets are as follows:

• Chauncey Billups
• Marcus Camby
• Kiki Vandeweghe
• Carmelo Anthony

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