Top 20 Denver Nugget Players of All Time (2025)
- Jun 30
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 3
By Ryan Vickery, NBA Writer | June 30, 2025
Here are my picks for the top 20 Denver Nugget players of all time. The Nuggets started in the 1967-68 season in the ABA as the Denver Rockets. Before the 1974-75 season in the ABA they changed there name to the Nuggets. The Nuggets were one of the teams that merged into the NBA after the 1975-76 season. In their 58 seasons, the Nuggets have made the playoffs 40 times and have won 1 NBA Championship.
20. Allen Iverson
Seasons: 3
Stats: 25.6 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 7.1 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA All-Star
Playoff Games: 9
AI brought his trademark scoring ability and fearless attitude to the Denver Nuggets, forming a dynamic backcourt with Carmelo Anthony and averaging over 25 points per game during his time there. However, the pairing didn’t lead to significant playoff success, and Iverson’s individual brilliance couldn’t push the team past the first round. His stint in Denver, while electrifying, was brief and marked the beginning of the decline in his All-NBA-level dominance.
19. Spencer Haywood
Seasons: 1
Stats: 30.0 PPG, 19.5 RPG, 2.3 APG
Accolades: ABA All-Rookie Team, ABA Rookie of the Year, 1x ABA TRB Champ, 1x ABA Scoring Champ, 1x ABA All-Star, 1x ABA All-Star MVP, 1x ABA MVP
Playoff Games: 12
Haywood made an immediate impact in his rookie season with the Denver Rockets, showcasing elite athleticism, scoring ability, and rebounding that quickly made him a league standout. However, despite his dominance, off-court challenges led to his departure after just one season. This is still one of the most impressive single season that i've looked at and it needed recognition.
18. Nene
Seasons: 10
Stats: 12.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.8 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team
Playoff Games: 44
Nene was a steady and versatile presence for the Denver Nuggets over a decade, contributing to multiple playoff runs with his strong interior play and team-first mentality. However, frequent injuries and health setbacks prevented him from fully reaching his potential as a franchise cornerstone. While never a superstar, his consistency and longevity made him a valuable part of the Nuggets' core during the 2000s.
17. Byron Beck
Seasons: 10
Stats: 11.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.3 APG
Accolades: 2x ABA All-Star
Playoff Games: 66
Beck was a foundational player for the Denver franchise, known for his toughness, rebounding, and leadership during both the ABA and NBA eras. Although never a major national star, he remained loyal to the team throughout his entire career and was a consistent contributor on and off the court. His steady presence helped establish the team's identity during its early years, even if greater team success eluded them.
16. Antonio McDyess
Seasons: 6
Stats: 18.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.6 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, 1x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 0
McDyess was an explosive and athletic forward during his early years with the Denver Nuggets, becoming a fan favorite and one of the team's brightest talents of the late 1990s. Unfortunately, repeated knee injuries derailed his rise to superstardom and limited the team's ability to build lasting success around him. Despite the setbacks, his time in Denver is remembered for his highlight-reel plays and untapped potential.
15. Aaron Gordon
Seasons: 5
Stats: 14.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.0 APG
Accolades: 1x NBA Champion
Playoff Games: 61
Gordon has been a key piece of the Denver Nuggets' recent success, providing elite defense, athleticism, and fitting seamlessly alongside the team's stars during their championship run. While not always a primary scoring option, his offensive consistency can vary, and he occasionally fades in big moments. Still, his versatility and team-oriented play have made him an essential part of the Nuggets’ modern identity.
14. Kiki Vandeweghe
Seasons: 4
Stats: 23.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.7 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA All-Star
Playoff Games: 16
Vandeweghe brought smooth scoring, savvy shooting, and polished offensive instincts to the Denver Nuggets, quickly becoming one of their most reliable perimeter scoring threats. However, his individual brilliance often didn’t translate into deep playoff runs, and despite regular-season promise, team success remained out of reach during his tenure. Still, his elegant offensive game and leadership helped elevate the franchise’s style and competitiveness in the 1980s.
13. Ralph Simpson
Seasons: 7
Stats: 19.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.8 APG
Accolades: 5x ABA All-Star, 3x All-ABA
Playoff Games: 51
Simpson emerged as a dynamic two-way swingman in his early years with Denver, earning multiple ABA All-Star selections and becoming a cornerstone of the franchise as it transitioned into the NBA. Despite his individual brilliance, including All-ABA honors, his teams struggled to advance deep into the playoffs and he struggled to regain the same level of dominance after the ABA–NBA merger. Nevertheless, his early contributions helped solidify Denver's pro basketball presence, leaving a legacy as one of the franchise's first true stars.
12. Larry Jones
Seasons: 3
Stats: 25.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.2 APG
Accolades: 3x ABA All-Star, 3x All-ABA
Playoff Games: 20
Jones was a prolific scorer and one of the early stars of the ABA, earning All-ABA First Team honors three consecutive years with the Denver Rockets. Despite his individual success, the Denver Rockets struggled to achieve deep playoff runs, and Jones departed the team after a contract dispute, being traded to the Floridians in 1970. Nevertheless, his tenure in Denver remains a significant chapter in the franchise's history, highlighting his scoring prowess and leadership on the court.
11. Chauncey Billups
Seasons: 5
Stats: 16.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.3 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA All-Star 1x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 22
Billups revitalized the Nuggets upon his return in 2008, providing veteran leadership and clutch performances that propelled the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2009. Despite his impact, the Nuggets fell short of an NBA Finals appearance, and Billups' tenure ended abruptly when he was traded to the New York Knicks in 2011. Nevertheless, his contributions remain a significant chapter in the franchise's history, underscoring his role in elevating Denver's competitiveness during his time with the team.
10. Bobby Jones
Seasons: 4
Stats: 14.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 3.5 APG
Accolades: ABA All-Rookie Team, 3x ABA/NBA All-Star, 4x ABA/NBA All-Defensive Team, 1x All-ABA
Playoff Games: 45
Jones was a defensive stalwart and versatile forward for the Denver Nuggets, earning All-ABA honors and leading the league in field goal percentage during his two seasons with the team. Despite his individual success, the Nuggets faced challenges in the playoffs, falling short of a championship during his tenure. Nevertheless, Jones' defensive prowess and leadership laid the foundation for the Nuggets' future success and solidified his legacy as one of the franchise's early stars.
9. Jamal Murray
Seasons: 8
Stats: 18.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.7 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, 1x NBA Champion
Playoff Games: 79
Murray has emerged as a dynamic and clutch performer for the Nuggets, playing a pivotal role in their 2023 NBA Championship victory and consistently delivering standout performances in the postseason. Despite his impressive playoff statistics, his regular-season consistency has been a topic of discussion. Nevertheless, his explosive scoring ability and leadership have solidified his status as a cornerstone of the Nuggets' future.
8. Marcus Camby
Seasons: 6
Stats: 10.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.5 APG
Accolades: 3x NBA BLK Champ, 4x NBA All-Defensive Team, 1x NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Playoff Games: 24
Camby was a dominant defensive force for the Nuggets, earning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2007 and leading the league in blocks multiple times during his six-season tenure. However, despite his individual accolades, the Nuggets struggled to achieve deep playoff success, and Camby's time with the team ended when he was traded to the Clippers in 2008. Nevertheless, his contributions remain a significant chapter in the franchise's history, underscoring his role in elevating Denver's competitiveness during his time with the team.
7. Dikembe Mutombo
Seasons: 5
Stats: 12.9 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 1.7 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, 3x NBA BLK Champ, 3x NBA All-Star, 1x NBA All-Defensive Team, 1x NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Playoff Games: 15
Mutombo quickly established himself as a defensive cornerstone for the Nuggets, intimidating opponents with his shot-blocking and rebounding presence. Although his individual dominance earned him Defensive Player of the Year honors, the team struggled to advance deep into the playoffs during his time there. Mutombo’s impact went beyond stats, as he became a symbol of resilience and defensive excellence for the franchise’s early success.
6. Fat Lever
Seasons: 6
Stats: 17.0 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 7.5 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA All-Star, 1x NBA All-Defensive Team, 1x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 36
Lever was a relentless and multifaceted guard who brought energy, playmaking, and defensive tenacity to the Nuggets, often filling the stat sheet in points, rebounds, and assists. While his individual talent was undeniable, injuries and roster limitations kept the team from making a deep playoff run during his prime years. Still, Lever’s all-around game made him one of Denver’s most memorable and impactful players of the 1980s.
5. Dan Issel
Seasons: 10
Stats: 20.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.5 APG
Accolades: 2x ABA/NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 66
Issel was a prolific scorer and reliable leader whose consistent production helped define the Nuggets’ identity throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. While he rarely made it past the second round in the playoffs, his toughness and scoring ability made him a fan favorite and team cornerstone. Issel’s legacy endures as one of the most durable and effective players in Denver’s history.
4. Carmelo Anthony
Seasons: 8
Stats: 24.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.1 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, 4x NBA All-Star, 4x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 45
Anthony brought star power and elite scoring ability to Denver, transforming the Nuggets into a perennial playoff contender and thrilling fans with his offensive creativity. However, despite multiple postseason appearances, the team couldn't break through to the conference finals during his tenure, often falling short of championship expectations. Still, Melo’s impact on the franchise was undeniable, as he became the face of Denver basketball and one of its most electrifying talents.
3. David Thompson
Seasons: 7
Stats: 24.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.4 APG
Accolades: ABA All-Rookie Team, ABA Rookie of the Year, 4x ABA/NBA All-Star, 3x All-ABA/NBA
Playoff Games: 38
Thompson was a transcendent talent whose scoring and athleticism helped put Denver basketball on the map, captivating fans with his high-flying style and clutch performances. Although injuries and off-court issues limited his career longevity, his peak years showcased a level of brilliance rarely seen in the league. Thompson’s legacy remains as one of the most electrifying and influential players in Nuggets history.
2. Alex English
Seasons: 11
Stats: 25.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.4 APG
Accolades: 1x NBA Scoring Champ, 8x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 59
English was the steady heartbeat of the Nuggets throughout the 1980s, known for his smooth, effortless scoring and consistency night after night. While he may not have grabbed headlines for flashy plays or dominant defense, his ability to quietly pile up points and lead by example made him a beloved figure in Denver. Despite never winning a championship, English’s graceful offensive game and professionalism left an indelible mark on the franchise.
1. Nikola Jokić
Seasons: 10
Stats: 21.8 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 7.2 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, 7x NBA All-Star, 7x All-NBA, 3x NBA MVP, 1x Western Conference Finals MVP, 1x NBA Champion, 1x NBA Finals MVP
Playoff Games: 94
Jokić has redefined what a superstar looks like, combining unmatched versatility, elite playmaking, and scoring ability to become the Nuggets’ all-time great. His MVP awards and leading Denver to their first-ever NBA Championship solidify him as not just the best Nugget ever, but one of the most transformative players in NBA history. Jokić’s blend of skill, vision, and humility has made him the undisputed face of the franchise and a generational talent.
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