Denver Nuggets NBA Profile: Five things you need to know

• Nikola Jokić transformed the franchise
• Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. form a dynamic young core
• First NBA championship in 2023 after decades of playoff disappointment

The Denver Nuggets captured their first title in franchise history in 2023. After decades of playoff frustrations, the Nuggets broke through behind the transcendent play of Nikola Jokić and a talented supporting cast.

Key Details

Location: Denver, Colorado
Year Founded: 1967
Home Arena: Ball Arena
Championships: 1 (2023)
Major Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz

Australians who have played for the Denver Nuggets

Jack White: Born in Traralgon, Victoria, White signed a two-way contract with the Nuggets in July 2022. During the 2022–2023 NBA season, he appeared in 17 games, averaging 1.2 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. White also played for the Grand Rapids Gold, the Nuggets' G League affiliate, where he averaged 20.9 points and 9.6 rebounds over 14 games. He was part of the Nuggets' roster when they won their first NBA championship in 2023.

Identity

The Nuggets have built their identity around the unique talents of Nikola Jokić, arguably the most skilled passing big man in NBA history. Head coach Michael Malone has constructed an offense that maximises Jokić's court vision and decision-making abilities. The team plays an unselfish brand of basketball, constantly moving and cutting off the ball to create openings.

Denver's playing style is predicated on ball and player movement, with Jokić often initiating the offense from the high post or top of the key. They are one of the league leaders in assists per game, reflecting their team-first mentality. Defensively, the Nuggets have improved significantly in recent years, using their length and athleticism to disrupt opponents.

The club culture emphasises player development and roster continuity. Many of their core players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Jokić himself have spent their entire careers with the franchise so far. There's a family atmosphere fostered by the front office and coaching staff.

Legacy & Impact

The Nuggets' greatest era is undoubtedly the current one, having reached the pinnacle of the sport in 2023. However, the franchise has a rich history of exciting teams that came up short in the playoffs. The Alex English-led teams of the 1980s were offensive juggernauts that thrilled fans. The Carmelo Anthony era in the 2000s saw consistent playoff appearances but first-round exits.

Denver's 2023 championship team will go down as one of the most significant in franchise history. Not only did they break through for the organisation's first title, but they did so in dominant fashion, losing just 4 games total in the playoffs.

Key figures in Nuggets history include Dan Issel, David Thompson, Alex English, Dikembe Mutombo, Carmelo Anthony, and of course, Nikola Jokić. Jokić has already established himself as the greatest player in franchise history, winning multiple MVP awards and leading the team to a championship.

Five Fast Facts

1. The Nuggets joined the NBA in 1976 after nine seasons in the ABA
2. Nikola Jokić was drafted 41st overall in 2014, making him one of the biggest draft steals ever
3. Denver set the NBA single-season scoring record in 1981-82, averaging 126.5 points per game
4. The team has retired six numbers: 2, 12, 33, 40, 44, 55
5. In 2020, the Nuggets became the first team in NBA history to overcome multiple 3-1 playoff deficits in the same postseason

Club Timeline

1967: Franchise founded as Denver Rockets in ABA

1974: Team changes name to Denver Nuggets

1976: Nuggets join NBA as part of ABA-NBA merger

1985: Reach Western Conference Finals for first time

2003: Draft Carmelo Anthony 3rd overall

2014: Select Nikola Jokić 41st overall in draft

2023: Win first NBA championship

Key Statistics

All-Time Record: 2,125-2,129 (as of end of 2022-23 season)

Championship History: 1 (2023)

Hall of Fame Players: 6 (Dan Issel, David Thompson, Alex English, Dikembe Mutombo, Allen Iverson, George McGinnis)

Retired Numbers: 6 (2, 12, 33, 40, 44, 55)

Notable Records: Most points in a season (1981-82): 126.5 per game

Today

The Nuggets enter the 2024-25 season looking to bounce back after falling short in their title defense. Despite winning 57 games and seeing Nikola Jokić claim his third MVP award, Denver was upset by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.

The core of the team remains intact, with Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. all in their primes. The front office made some tweaks to the supporting cast in hopes of recapturing championship form. The Nuggets are still considered one of the top contenders in the Western Conference, but face stiff competition from rising young teams and established powers.