Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets began as the Denver Rockets in the ABA in 1967 before joining the NBA in 1976. The franchise featured exciting run-and-gun offenses through the 1980s under coach Doug Moe, with Alex English and David Thompson. Dikembe Mutombo's iconic finger wag became a signature NBA moment. Carmelo Anthony led the Nuggets to the 2009 Western Conference Finals. The franchise's crowning achievement came in 2023 when Nikola Jokic — a second-round pick who became a three-time MVP — led Denver to its first NBA championship with a dominant playoff run. Jokic's historically efficient, pass-first center play has redefined the position and established Denver as a model for small-market excellence.