The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They compete in the Northwest Division of the NBA’s Western Conference.
Known for their fast-paced offense, unselfish play, and passionate fan base, the Nuggets have become one of the NBA’s most respected franchises.
Founded in 1967, the team began as the Denver Rockets in the American Basketball Association (ABA) before joining the NBA in 1976. The franchise later changed its name to the Nuggets, honoring Denver’s mining roots and Colorado’s Gold Rush heritage.
Their navy blue, gold, and red colors reflect the state’s bold energy and mountainous spirit.
Where Do the Nuggets Play?
The Nuggets play their home games at Ball Arena, located in downtown Denver. Opened in 1999, the arena seats around 19,000 fans for basketball games and also hosts concerts and NHL games.
Ball Arena provides an electric atmosphere that fuels both players and fans. Situated a mile above sea level, the Nuggets enjoy a unique altitude advantage, often wearing down visiting teams not accustomed to Denver’s high elevation.
History of the Denver Nuggets
The franchise’s roots stretch back to 1967, when the team joined the ABA as the Denver Rockets. By the mid-1970s, under Larry Brown, the Nuggets had become one of the ABA’s most dominant teams. They transitioned to the NBA in 1976, led by stars Dan Issel and David Thompson.
The 1980s brought excitement and success under coach Doug Moe, whose high-scoring, fast-paced offense became legendary. His teams consistently made the playoffs and thrilled fans with their explosive style.
In 1994, the Nuggets made history when the eighth-seeded team upset the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics in the first round, an NBA first.
The early 2000s saw a resurgence led by Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, highlighted by a trip to the 2009 Western Conference Finals.
The modern era began under Michael Malone, who built a culture of accountability, teamwork, and development. Anchored by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets reached new heights, capturing their first NBA Championship in 2023.
The victory solidified the Nuggets’ place among the league’s elite franchises.
Interesting Facts & Team Milestones
- The Nuggets’ first and only NBA title came in 2023.
- The Nuggets were originally called the Denver Rockets before adopting the Nuggets name in 1974.
- The team’s 1994 playoff upset remains one of the NBA’s most iconic moments.
Notable Denver Nuggets Players
Over the years, the Nuggets have featured some of basketball’s brightest stars:
Dan Issel
A steady scorer and rebounder who bridged the ABA and NBA eras.
David Thompson
A Hall of Famer and one of the most athletic guards of his era.
Alex English
The franchise’s all-time leading scorer and model of consistency.
Carmelo Anthony
Revitalized the franchise and became a perennial All-Star in the 2000s. Melo is also known as one of the most prolific mid-range scorers in the NBA during his prime.
Chauncey Billups
A Denver native who brought leadership and experience during the team’s 2009 playoff run.
Nikola Jokić
A two-time MVP known for his creativity, passing, and leadership. He is the team’s offensive dynamo, and has become one of the NBA’s triple double leaders.
Jamal Murray
A dynamic guard recognized for his clutch playoff performances. Murray is one of the best Canadian NBA players in the league today.
Notable Denver Nuggets Coaches
The Nuggets’ success has been shaped by outstanding coaches who emphasized teamwork and innovation:
Larry Brown (1974-1979)
Led the Nuggets through their ABA dominance and successful transition to the NBA.
Doug Moe (1980-1990)
Implemented a fast-paced offense and earned Coach of the Year honors in 1988.
George Karl (2005-2013)
Guided Denver to consistent playoff appearances and won Coach of the Year in 2013.
Michael Malone (2015-2025)
Built a winning culture and led the Nuggets to their first NBA Championship in 2023.
Dave Adelman (2025-present)
Promoted to head coach in 2025 after years as an assistant, Adelman continues the franchise’s tradition of teamwork and player development. Adelman also strives to maintain Denver’s competitiveness at the top of the Western Conference.