History of Denver Nuggets in Timeline

The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, competing in the NBA's Western Conference Northwest Division. Founded in 1967 as the Denver Larks in the ABA, the team was renamed the Rockets before their inaugural season due to new ownership. In 1974, they became the Nuggets in anticipation of a move from the ABA to the NBA. The Nuggets reached the final ABA Championship in 1976, losing to the New York Nets.

1948: Original Denver Nuggets

In 1948, in anticipation of moving into the NBA, the franchise held a contest to choose a new team nickname, as "Rockets" was already in use by the Houston Rockets,in honor of the original Denver Nuggets NBL team from 1948 to 1950.

1950: Original Denver Nuggets

In 1950, in anticipation of moving into the NBA, the franchise held a contest to choose a new team nickname, as "Rockets" was already in use by the Houston Rockets,in honor of the original Denver Nuggets NBL team from 1948 to 1950.

1967: Denver Rockets' colors become black, orange, and white

From 1967–68, the Denver Rockets' colors were black, orange, and white.

1967: Charter Franchise Awarded

In 1967, one of the American Basketball Association's charter franchises was awarded to a group in Kansas City, Missouri, headed by James Trindle.

1967: Team Founded as Denver Larks

In 1967, the team was originally founded as the Denver Larks as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

1969: Spencer Haywood Joins the Team

In 1969, controversial rookie Spencer Haywood joined the Denver Rockets, averaging nearly 30 points and 19.5 rebounds per game and being named ABA MVP, ABA rookie of the year, as well as the All-Star Game MVP.

1970: Haywood Signs with Seattle SuperSonics

Just before the start of the 1970–71 season, Spencer Haywood signed with the Seattle SuperSonics, jumping to the NBA and later resulting in the Haywood v. National Basketball Association case.

1970: Denver Rockets' colors remain black, orange, and white

Through 1970-71, the Denver Rockets' colors remained black, orange, and white.

1971: Denver Rockets change to gold and purple

From 1971–72, the Denver Rockets changed their colors to gold and purple (Columbine blue).

1972: Team Sold to Goldberg and Fischer

In 1972, Ringsby sold the team to San Diego businessmen Frank Goldberg and Bud Fischer.

1973: Denver Rockets wear gold and purple uniforms

Through 1973–74, the Denver Rockets wore gold and purple (Columbine blue) uniforms.

August 7, 1974: Rockets Changed Their Name to the Nuggets

On August 7, 1974, the Rockets changed their name to the Nuggets as a precautionary measure for their franchise to move from the ABA to the NBA.

1974: Best Season in Team History

In 1974-1975 the team went 65-19, including a 40–2 record at home. However, they lost in the Western Conference Finals in 7 games, to the Indiana Pacers.

1974: Dan Issel came via trade

In 1975–76, playing at their new arena, the Nuggets, with the acquisitions of Thompson, Jones and Dan Issel who had come via a trade after he won an ABA title with the 1974–75 Kentucky Colonels.

1975: Goldberg and Fischer sell team

In 1974 and 1975 Goldberg and Fischer sold the team to a local investment group called Nuggets Management Inc. in relation to the upcoming move from the ABA to the NBA.

1975: Best Season in Team History

In 1974-1975 the team went 65-19, including a 40–2 record at home. However, they lost in the Western Conference Finals in 7 games, to the Indiana Pacers.

1975: Applied to join NBA

In 1975, the Nuggets and Nets had applied to join the NBA, but were forced to stay in the ABA by a court order.

1975: Dan Issel came via trade

In 1975–76, playing at their new arena, the Nuggets, with the acquisitions of Thompson, Jones and Dan Issel who had come via a trade after he won an ABA title with the 1974–75 Kentucky Colonels.

1976: Nuggets Lost ABA Championship Title

In 1976, after the name change, the Nuggets played for the final ABA Championship title, losing to the New York Nets.

1976: Lost to New York Nets in ABA Finals

In 1976, the Nuggets lost to the New York Nets and Julius Erving in 6 games in the ABA finals.

1976: Joined the NBA

In 1976, the team joined the NBA after the ABA–NBA merger and qualified for the NBA playoffs in nine consecutive seasons in the 1980s.

1976: Nuggets retain pick-axe logo

In the 1976–77 season, when the Nuggets joined the NBA, they retained the pick-axe logo on their jerseys from the ABA days.

1976: Anthony became the first Denver player to score at least 30 points in five consecutive playoff games

In the 2008-09 NBA season, Anthony became the first Denver player to score at least 30 points in five consecutive playoff games since the Nuggets joined the NBA in 1976.

1976: Nuggets tied for the third-best all-time Nuggets record

The Nuggets finished the 2007-08 NBA season with exactly 50 wins which tied for the third-best all-time Nuggets record since the team officially joined the NBA in 1976.

1977: Nuggets simplify uniforms

From 1977 to 1982, the Nuggets simplified their uniforms following their inaugural season in the NBA. The home uniforms were white with a "Nuggets" script in a darker royal blue, with gold trim around the script and jersey numbers. The royal blue away jersey had "Denver" written across the chest in white, with gold trim.

1978: Red McCombs Bought the Team

In 1978, Red McCombs bought the Denver Nuggets.

1979: Brown Left the Team

In 1979, Coach Brown left the team, leading to a decline in their performance.

1981: Rainbow city skyline synonymous with the team

For the 1993–94 season, the Nuggets drastically changed their look. The "rainbow city skyline," which had been synonymous with the team since 1981, was replaced.

1981: Doug Moe Hired as Head Coach

In 1981, Doug Moe was hired as head coach, bringing with him a "motion offense" philosophy.

1982: Nuggets change uniforms

From 1977 to 1982, the Nuggets home uniforms were white, with a "Nuggets" script written across the chest in a darker royal blue, with gold trim around the script and jersey numbers. The royal blue away jersey had "Denver" written across the chest in white, with gold trim.

1982: Nuggets introduce rainbow city skyline uniforms

From 1982–83, the Nuggets wore the Denver "rainbow city" skyline across the chest and back on both the home and away uniforms.

1982: Moses Malone last center to win back-to-back MVP before Jokić

In 1982, Moses Malone was the last center to win the Kia MVP Award before Nikola Jokić won it for the second year in a row.

December 13, 1983: NBA Record 370 Points

On December 13, 1983, the Denver Nuggets and the Detroit Pistons combined for an NBA record 370 points, with Detroit winning in triple overtime, 186–184.

1983: Moses Malone wins back-to-back MVP Awards

In 1983, Moses Malone won the Kia MVP Award for the second year in a row.

1983: The seven games separating the Nuggets and the Lakers overall records is the closest margin between an eighth seed and a top seed.

In the 2007-08 NBA season, The seven games separating the Nuggets and the Lakers overall records is the closest margin between an eighth seed and a top seed since the NBA went to a 16-team playoff format in 1983–84.

1984: Trade for Fat Lever

In 1984–85, Kiki Vandeweghe was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for Fat Lever, Calvin Natt and Wayne Cooper.

1984: Made it to the Western Conference finals

In 1984–85, they made it to the Western Conference finals after being perennial playoff contenders, and they lost in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers.

1985: Team Sold to Sidney Shlenker

In 1985, Red McCombs sold the Denver Nuggets to Sidney Shlenker.

1985: Nuggets change blue shade and eliminate green

In 1985, the Nuggets changed the shade of blue to royal and eliminated green from their uniforms.

1985: Nuggets made it to Western Conference Finals

In the 2008-09 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets had a successful run, reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1985, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 4-2.

1986: Nuggets change back numbers to royal blue

In 1986, the Nuggets changed the back numbers on their uniforms to royal blue.

1987: 54 Games Won

In the 1987–88 season, the team won 54 games, the most they had ever won as an NBA team.

1987: Nuggets reached at least 50 wins in a season

In the 2007-08 NBA season, it was the first time since the 1987–88 NBA season that the Nuggets finished with at least 50 wins in a season.

1988: Eliminated in Second Round of Playoffs

In 1988, the Mavericks eliminated the Nuggets in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

1988: Nuggets got home-court advantage

In the 2008-09 NBA season, they won Game 1 of the playoffs against the New Orleans Hornets, the first time they had home-court advantage since 1988.

1989: Team Sold to COMSAT

In 1989, Sidney Shlenker sold the Denver Nuggets to COMSAT.

December 15, 1990: Introduction of Rocky the Mountain Lion

On December 15, 1990, Rocky the Mountain Lion was introduced to Denver Nuggets fans during a game against the Phoenix Suns.

1990: Moe Left the Team

In 1990, Doug Moe left the team and was replaced by Paul Westhead.

1991: Nuggets wordmark becomes white with royal blue and gold trim

In 1991, coinciding with the debut of Dikembe Mutombo, the word "Nuggets" on the uniforms became white with royal blue and gold trim.

1991: Drafted Dikembe Mutombo

In 1991, the Denver Nuggets drafted Dikembe Mutombo from Georgetown University.

1992: Nuggets rainbow city skyline uniforms end

From 1982–83 through 1992–93, the Nuggets wore the Denver "rainbow city" skyline across the chest and back on both the home and away uniforms.

1992: Hired Dan Issel as Coach

In 1992, Denver fired Paul Westhead and hired former star player Dan Issel as his successor.

1993: Nuggets drastically change look

For the 1993–94 season, the Nuggets drastically changed their look, with a navy blue, metallic gold and maroon color scheme on their uniforms. The "rainbow city skyline," was replaced with a logo that featured a navy blue snow-capped mountain above an enlarged western-style "Nuggets" wordmark in metallic gold, and a curved maroon ribbon with a "Denver" wordmark positioned in between the mountain and the "Nuggets" wordmark.

1993: New Color Scheme

In 1993, the Denver Nuggets ditched their rainbow colors for a dark navy, metallic gold and wine color scheme.

1993: Nuggets logo changes

Prior to the 2008–09 season, the Nuggets' jerseys and team logo were tweaked, with the royal blue replaced by the shade of navy blue that was part of the team's color scheme from 1993 to 2003.

1995: Acquired Antonio McDyess

Following that season, Denver acquired Antonio McDyess in a draft-day trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.

1995: COMSAT bought the Quebec Nordiques

In 1995, COMSAT bought the NHL's Quebec Nordiques and moved them to Denver as the Colorado Avalanche.

1996: Mutombo Left for Atlanta Hawks

After the 1995–96 season, Dikembe Mutombo left the Denver Nuggets for the Atlanta Hawks.

1997: COMSAT Agreed to Sell Ascent Entertainment Group to Liberty Media

In 1997, COMSAT agreed in principle to sell Ascent Entertainment Group, which included its sporting assets, to Liberty Media due to financial strain.

1997: Nuggets sent Antonio McDyess to the Phoenix Suns

In 1997, after a poor 1996-97 season, the Denver Nuggets traded Antonio McDyess to the Phoenix Suns, and Dale Ellis returned to Seattle.

1998: Pick axe logo planned

While the "pick axe" logo was officially introduced in 2005, former NBA director of creative services Tom O'Grady had planned on introducing the logo as early as 1998.

1999: Issel returns as head coach

In 1999, Dan Issel returned as head coach of the Nuggets, but ownership negotiations made it difficult for him to rebuild the team.

July 2000: Stan Kroenke bought the Avalanche, Nuggets and Pepsi Center

In July 2000, Stan Kroenke purchased the Avalanche, Nuggets, and Pepsi Center for $450 million, ensuring the teams would stay in Denver until at least 2025.

2000: Shaquille O'Neal last center to win MVP before Jokić

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was the last center to be named the NBA Most Valuable Player before Nikola Jokić achieved the same recognition in the 2020-21 season.

2000: Nuggets' best record remains below .500

In 2000, The Denver Nuggets had their best record, which was still a game below .500.

2000: Personnel moves halted due to unstable ownership

Just before the start of the 1999-2000 season, Dan Issel mentioned that several personnel moves he wanted to make were not possible due to the unstable ownership situation.

August 9, 2001: Kiki Vandeweghe assumed general manager duties

On August 9, 2001, Kiki Vandeweghe assumed general manager duties for the Denver Nuggets.

2001: Nuggets' record at 40-42

In the 2000-2001 season, the Denver Nuggets finished with a 40-42 record, but it was a brief respite before struggling further.

2002: Dan Issel forced to resign

In 2002, Nuggets' coach Dan Issel was forced to resign after making an inflammatory comment towards a heckling fan.

2002: Nuggets had a terrible season

In 2002-2003, The Denver Nuggets had a terrible season, which was a strong contrast to the turnaround that would happen after.

2002: Navy blue returns as a primary color

The Nuggets updated their uniforms for the 2017–18 season which saw the return of navy blue as a primary color for the first time since the 2002–03 season.

2002: Nuggets wear uniforms until end of season

The Nuggets wore these uniforms for a decade, until the end of the 2002–03 season.

2003: Nuggets change uniforms and logo

For the 2003–04 season, the Nuggets made another uniform change, coinciding with Carmelo Anthony's debut, with a color scheme of powder blue, gold (yellow) and royal blue.

2003: Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony

In 2003, the Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony and updated their logos and uniforms with a new color scheme.

December 28, 2004: Jeff Bzdelik was fired

On December 28, 2004, head coach Jeff Bzdelik was fired and replaced by Michael Cooper as interim coach. Later George Karl was hired.

2004: Qualified for NBA Playoffs

From 2004 to 2013, the Denver Nuggets qualified for the NBA playoffs in ten consecutive seasons.

2005: Nuggets won the Northwest division title

In 2005-06, the Denver Nuggets won the Northwest division title for the first time in 18 years and made it to the playoffs, but lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe's contract would not be renewed.

2005: Nuggets picked Julius Hodge

In the 2005 NBA draft, the Nuggets picked Julius Hodge with the 20th pick and selected Jarrett Jack with the 22nd pick, but traded him for Linas Kleiza.

2005: Nuggets Eliminated in First Round

In the 2005 playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Nuggets in 5 games.

2005: Nuggets introduce alternate logo and uniform

In the 2005–06 season, the Nuggets also introduced an alternate logo, as well as an alternate navy blue uniform.

2005: Pick axe logo introduced

The “pick axe” logo was officially introduced in 2005.

December 18, 2006: Carmelo Anthony and others suspended after fight

On December 18, 2006, Carmelo Anthony, J. R. Smith, and Nenê were suspended by the NBA for their involvement in a fight during a game against the New York Knicks.

December 19, 2006: Nuggets traded for Allen Iverson

On December 19, 2006, the Nuggets traded Joe Smith, Andre Miller, and two first-round draft picks to the Philadelphia 76ers for Allen Iverson.

January 11, 2007: Earl Boykins traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

On January 11, 2007, Earl Boykins and Julius Hodge were traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Steve Blake.

March 16, 2008: Nuggets scored 168 points in a game

On March 16, 2008, the Denver Nuggets scored 168 points in a 168–116 win over the Seattle SuperSonics, the third-most in a regulation game in NBA history.

July 16, 2008: Nuggets traded Marcus Camby

On July 16, 2008, the Nuggets traded Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second-round draft pick.

November 3, 2008: Nuggets traded Allen Iverson

On November 3, 2008, Allen Iverson was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb.

November 10, 2008: McDyess waived by the Nuggets

On November 10, 2008, Antonio McDyess was waived by the Denver Nuggets and returned to the Detroit Pistons.

2008: Royal blue changed to navy blue

In 2008, the Denver Nuggets changed the royal blue color in their color scheme to navy blue.

2008: Nuggets tweak jerseys and logo

Prior to the 2008–09 season, the Nuggets' jerseys and team logo were tweaked, with the royal blue replaced by the shade of navy blue that was part of the team's color scheme from 1993 to 2003.

2008: Nuggets Finished the 2007-08 NBA Season With Exactly 50 Wins

The Denver Nuggets finished the 2007–08 NBA season with 50 wins. They were swept by the Lakers in the first round, marking Denver's fifth straight first-round loss.

July 13, 2009: Nuggets traded for Arron Afflalo

On July 13, 2009, the Nuggets traded a second-round draft pick to the Detroit Pistons for Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe.

2009: Nuggets made it to Western Conference Finals

In the 2008-09 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets had a successful run, reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1985, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 4-2.

July 14, 2010: Nuggets Sign Al Harrington and Changes in Management

On July 14, 2010, the Denver Nuggets enhanced their frontcourt by signing Al Harrington. Also during the 2010 off-season, Masai Ujiri took over as general manager, succeeding Mark Warkentien, and Josh Kroenke was appointed as team president.

February 22, 2011: Carmelo Anthony Traded to the New York Knicks

On February 22, 2011, Carmelo Anthony, along with Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams, and Renaldo Balkman, was traded to the New York Knicks. The Nuggets received Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, and Kosta Koufos in return as part of a multi-player deal also involving the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite having only nine players available, the Nuggets won their game against the Memphis Grizzlies 120–107.

2011: Cavaliers break losing streak record

In 2011, the Cleveland Cavaliers broke the NBA's all-time worst single-season losing streak at 23 games, surpassing the Nuggets' previous record.

2011: Navy blue uniform used until season end

The alternate navy blue jersey featuring an alternate “Nuggets” script in gold was used until the end of the 2011-12 season

March 15, 2012: Nenê Traded for JaVale McGee

On March 15, 2012, the Denver Nuggets traded Nenê to the Washington Wizards for JaVale McGee, aiming to rejuvenate their team with younger talent.

August 10, 2012: Denver Acquires Andre Iguodala in Four-Team Trade

On August 10, 2012, the Denver Nuggets acquired All-Star Andre Iguodala in a four-team trade, sending Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington to the Orlando Magic. This trade also involved sending Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers.

2012: Nuggets unveil gold alternate jersey

For the 2012–13 season, the Nuggets unveiled a gold alternate jersey, replacing the aforementioned navy blue jerseys that had been used during the previous seven seasons. This jersey featured a return to the Denver "rainbow skyline" logo, but used the team's "Aachen" typeface and color scheme of powder blue, navy and gold.

2012: Skyline logo reintroduced on alternate jerseys

The font and "skyline" logo were later reintroduced on alternate jerseys beginning with the 2012–13 season.

June 21, 2013: Tim Connelly Announced as New General Manager

On June 21, 2013, Tim Connelly was announced as the new general manager for the Denver Nuggets. This occurred after Masai Ujiri accepted the general manager position with the Toronto Raptors, and Pete D'Alessandro became general manager of the Sacramento Kings. Brian Shaw was hired to replace George Karl as head coach.

2013: Qualified for NBA Playoffs

From 2004 to 2013, the Denver Nuggets qualified for the NBA playoffs in ten consecutive seasons.

2014: 76ers break losing streak record

In 2014, the Philadelphia 76ers surpassed the Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers by breaking the NBA's all-time worst single-season losing streak.

2014: Nuggets jerseys used until season's end

These jerseys were used until the 2014–15 season, while the snow-capped mountain logo would serve as the team's primary logo until the 2017–18 season.

March 3, 2015: Brian Shaw Fired, Melvin Hunt Named Interim Head Coach

On March 3, 2015, the Denver Nuggets fired head coach Brian Shaw and named Melvin Hunt as the interim head coach.

June 15, 2015: Michael Malone Named New Head Coach

On June 15, 2015, Michael Malone was officially named as the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

July 14, 2015: Ty Lawson Arrested and Subsequently Traded

On July 14, 2015, Ty Lawson was arrested in Los Angeles for driving under the influence. A week later, the Nuggets traded Lawson to the Houston Rockets for Joey Dorsey, Nick Johnson, Kostas Papanikolaou, Pablo Prigioni (all of whom were waived), and a first round pick.

2015: Nuggets modify script and numbering fonts

For the 2015–16 season, the Nuggets modified the script and numbering fonts on their home and away jerseys, with a gold "Nuggets" script on the home white jersey and a gold "Denver" script on the powder blue away jersey—both with the "Coliseum" typeface.

January 27, 2016: Mudiay and Jokić to Participate in Rising Stars Challenge

On January 27, 2016, it was announced that Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokić would participate in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star 2016.

February 13, 2017: Nurkić Traded to Trail Blazers

On February 13, 2017, Jusuf Nurkić was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers along with the rights to the Memphis Grizzlies' 2017 first-round draft pick. In exchange, the Nuggets received Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second-round pick, and cash considerations.

June 15, 2017: Karnišovas and Connelly Promoted

On June 15, 2017, the Denver Nuggets officially promoted Artūras Karnišovas to general manager and Tim Connelly to president of basketball operations.

December 2, 2017: Fat Lever's Number Retired

On December 2, 2017, the Denver Nuggets retired Fat Lever's number during their 115–100 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

2017: Nike Releases "City" Series Uniform

During the 2017-18 season, Nike released a fourth uniform option known as the "City" series, which is updated annually. The Nuggets' first "City" uniform had a navy base, highlighting the pick-axe and mountain logo.

2017: Nuggets update uniforms

The Nuggets updated their uniforms for the 2017–18 season. The light uniform the dark uniform and the alternate uniform saw the return of navy blue as a primary color for the first time since the 2002–03 season, while powder blue was drastically diminished and relegated to trim color status. Western Union became the team's jersey sponsor.

2017: Nuggets primary logo snow-capped mountain

These jerseys were used until the 2014–15 season, while the snow-capped mountain logo would serve as the team's primary logo until the 2017–18 season.

2018: Logos and Uniforms Modified

In 2018, the Denver Nuggets modified their logos and uniforms, incorporating various color schemes from their history. The color scheme includes midnight blue, sunshine yellow, flatirons red, and skyline blue. Powder blue was eliminated from all logos and uniforms.

2018: "City" Uniform Callback to Rainbow Uniforms

In the 2018-19 season, the Denver Nuggets' "City" uniform was a callback to the team's 1982-93 rainbow uniforms, featuring a sublimated pattern of the rainbow logo and navy lettering.

2018: Circular "pick axe" logo becomes new primary logo

The circular "pick axe" logo would become the team's new primary logo for the 2018–19 season.

January 31, 2019: Jokić Receives First All-Star Selection

On January 31, 2019, Nikola Jokić received his first All-Star selection as a Western Conference reserve for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, marking the Nuggets' first All-Star since Carmelo Anthony in 2011.

2020: "Earned" Uniform Given for Making NBA Playoffs

As a reward for making the NBA playoffs the previous season, the Denver Nuggets were given an exclusive "Earned" uniform option in the 2020-21 season. The white-based design featured a modified pickaxe logo.

2020: "City" Uniform Design Change

For the 2020-21 season, the Denver Nuggets kept the same "City" uniform design but eliminated the rainbow pattern and went with a red/yellow/orange gradient within the mountains and a flatirons red base.

2021: Mashup "City" Uniform for NBA's 75th Anniversary

During the 2021-22 season, the Denver Nuggets were one of 27 teams to receive mashup "City" uniforms as part of the NBA's 75th anniversary. The Denver uniform featured various design takes from past uniforms.

2022: "City" Uniform Inspired by Denver's Architecture

For the 2022-23 season, the Denver Nuggets wore white "City" uniforms with navy letters, gold and red trim, and royal blue/white gradient stripes. The uniform was inspired by Denver's iconic architecture and its civic organizations.

2022: Nuggets make offseason acquisitions

In the 2022–23 season, the Denver Nuggets made offseason acquisitions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown which elevated the team.

2022: Statement Uniform Tweaked

Prior to the 2022-23 season, the Denver Nuggets' "Statement" uniform was tweaked with greater usage of gold on the letters and red on the trim and mountain silhouette. Two "gold strikes" were also added between the words "Mile High City".

June 12, 2023: Nuggets win first NBA Championship

On June 12, 2023, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 4–1 to win their first NBA championship, with Nikola Jokić receiving the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.

2023: "City" Uniform Revisits Mountain-Themed Motif

For their 2023-24 "City" uniform, the Denver Nuggets revisited the mountain-themed motif from their 1980s "Rainbow" uniforms. The black-based design featured sublimated blue lines representing the Rocky Mountains and "5280" below in gold.

2023: Nuggets Win First NBA Championship

In 2023, led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets reached their first NBA Finals and defeated the Miami Heat to capture the franchise's first NBA championship.

2023: Denver Nuggets first season as defending champions

In the 2023–24 season, the Denver Nuggets played their first season in league history as defending champions.

May 8, 2024: Nikola Jokić wins third MVP Award

On May 8, 2024, Nikola Jokić won his third Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the ninth player to do so and tying with other greats such as Moses Malone and Larry Bird.

2024: "City" Uniform Revisits "Rainbow" Theme

As part of the 2024-25 "City" uniform, the Denver Nuggets revisited the "Rainbow" theme, last seen in the 2018-2020 "City" uniforms, as well as last season's "5280" uniform.

2024: Nuggets finish with the 4th seed in the Western Conference

In the 2024-25 season, Denver finished with the 4th seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record.

March 7, 2025: Nikola Jokić records historic game

On March 7, 2025, Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets achieved a historic feat, becoming the first NBA player to record a game with at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists.

2025: Reused "City" Uniform

During the 2025-26 season the 2019-20 "City" uniform, which has a black base and white letters, was reused. The design was originally inspired by the 1982-93 rainbow uniforms.

2025: Teams to stay in Denver until at least 2025

In July 2000, Stan Kroenke purchased the Avalanche, Nuggets, and Pepsi Center for $450 million, ensuring the teams would stay in Denver until at least 2025.