Alex English

English was the NBA leading scorer of an entire decade — the 1980s — averaging at least 23 PPG for eight consecutive seasons, a feat of sustained excellence that defines franchise-era performers.

He published a book of poetry during his playing career, earning a reputation as one of the most culturally engaged athletes in the NBA — a distinction that set him apart in an era before athlete activism was mainstream.

Despite his scoring achievements, English never played in an NBA Finals — a fact that remains one of the great what-ifs of his era, as his Denver teams were exciting but ultimately fell short.

English played his best basketball in Doug Moe run-and-gun system, which was tailor-made for his skills — a high-tempo offense that maximized his ability to get to his spots without set plays.