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 initially changed its name to the Rockets before the inaugural season due to an ownership change. In 1974, they were renamed the Nuggets in anticipation of a potential move to the NBA. The Nuggets reached the final ABA Championship in 1976, losing to the New York Nets.
1948: Denver Nuggets NBL Team
In honor of the original Denver Nuggets NBL team from 1948 to 1950, the franchise held a contest to choose a new team nickname.
1950: Denver Nuggets NBL Team
In honor of the original Denver Nuggets NBL team from 1948 to 1950, the franchise held a contest to choose a new team nickname.
1953: Game three of the second round had four overtimes
Game three of the second round of the 2018-2019 season had four overtimes, tying a 1953 game for the longest NBA playoff game.
1967: Denver Rockets' logos, uniforms, and colors
From 1967–68, the Denver Rockets' logos, uniforms, and colors were black, orange, and white.
1967: Franchise awarded to Kansas City group
In 1967, one of the American Basketball Association (ABA)'s charter franchises was awarded to a group in Kansas City, Missouri. The team was later moved to Denver and named the Denver Larks.
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: Haywood joined the team
In 1969, Controversial rookie Spencer Haywood joined the Denver Rockets (later Nuggets). Haywood was named ABA MVP, ABA rookie of the year, as well as the All-Star Game MVP.
1970: Haywood signed with the 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' logos, uniforms, and colors
Through 1970–71, the Denver Rockets' logos, uniforms, and colors were black, orange, and white.
1971: Rockets wore gold and purple uniforms
From 1971–72, the Rockets wore gold and purple (Columbine blue) uniforms, and their logo featured a cartoonish rocket bouncing a gold and purple basketball, with a purple and white snow-capped mountain in the background.
1972: Team sold to San Diego businessmen
In 1972, Ringsby sold the team to San Diego businessmen Frank Goldberg and Bud Fischer. A year prior, the Rockets changed their team logo.
1973: Rockets wore gold and purple uniforms
Through 1973–74, the Rockets wore gold and purple (Columbine blue) uniforms, and their logo featured a cartoonish rocket bouncing a gold and purple basketball, with a purple and white snow-capped mountain in the background.
August 7, 1974: Name changed to Nuggets
On August 7, 1974, the Denver Rockets changed their name to the Denver Nuggets as a precautionary measure for their franchise to move from the ABA to the NBA.
1974: Dan Issel won an ABA title
In 1975–76, 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.
1974: The 1974-75 team record
The 1974–75 Denver Nuggets 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: Team Sold
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: Applied to join the NBA
In 1975, the Denver Nuggets and Nets had applied to join the NBA, but were forced to stay in the ABA by a court order.
1975: Acquisitions of Thompson, Jones and Dan Issel
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: Lost in the Western Conference Finals
The 1974–75 Denver Nuggets 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.
1976: Lost to the New York Nets in the 1976 ABA finals
In 1975–76, the Denver Nuggets went 60–24, edged the reigning champion Kentucky Colonels to make the 1976 ABA finals for the first time. They lost to the New York Nets and Julius Erving in 6 games. The ABA–NBA merger took place after the 1975–76 season.
1976: Lost ABA Championship Title
In 1976, after the name change, the Denver Nuggets played for the final ABA Championship title, losing to the New York Nets.
1976: Made the 1976 ABA Finals
In 1976, the Denver Nuggets made the ABA Finals, losing to the New York Nets. They also joined the NBA in 1976 after the ABA–NBA merger.
1976: Anthony first Denver player to score at least 30 points in five consecutive playoff games
In 2009, 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: 50-32 overall record
The 2007-08 season was the Nuggets third-best all-time Nuggets record since the team officially joined the NBA in 1976.
1976: Pick-axe logo retained on jerseys
When the Nuggets joined the NBA in the 1976–77 season, they retained the pick-axe logo on their jerseys from the ABA days.
1977: Uniforms simplified following inaugural season
The Nuggets simplified their uniforms following their inaugural season in the NBA, from 1977 to 1982.
1978: Team bought by Red McCombs
In 1978, Red McCombs bought the Denver Nuggets team.
1979: Brown left the team
In 1979, Larry Brown left the Denver Nuggets team, leading to a decline in their performance.
1981: "rainbow city skyline" logo replaced
For the 1993–94 season, the "rainbow city skyline," which had been synonymous with the team since 1981, 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.
1981: Doug Moe hired as head coach
In 1981, Doug Moe was hired as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, bringing with him a "motion offense" philosophy.
1982: Home uniforms were white
From 1977 to 1982, their 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.
1982: Rainbow city skyline uniforms introduced
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 achieve back to back MVP before Jokić
In the following season, Jokić received the Kia MVP Award for the second year in a row – joining 12 other players in NBA history to achieve the award in back to back years, and the first center to do so since Moses Malone in 1982 and 1983.
December 13, 1983: Combined for an NBA record 370 points
On December 13, 1983, the Denver Nuggets and the visiting Detroit Pistons combined for an NBA record 370 points, with Detroit winning in triple overtime, 186–184.
1983: Moses Malone last center to achieve back to back MVP before Jokić
In the following season, Jokić received the Kia MVP Award for the second year in a row – joining 12 other players in NBA history to achieve the award in back to back years, and the first center to do so since Moses Malone in 1982 and 1983.
1983: 16-team playoff format
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: Vandeweghe was traded
Before the 1984–85 season, 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, the Denver Nuggets made it to the Western Conference finals after being perennial playoff contenders, and they lost in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers.
1985: McCombs sold the team
In 1985, McCombs sold the Denver Nuggets team to Sidney Shlenker.
1985: Nuggets went 5-0 for the first time since 1985
In 1985, before the 2009-10 season, the Nuggets achieved a 5-0 start for the first time since 1985 after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers, and New Jersey Nets.
1985: Shade of blue changed to royal
In 1985, the Nuggets changed the shade of blue to royal and eliminated green from the rainbow city skyline uniforms.
1985: Nuggets reach Western Conference Finals
In 2009, the Nuggets beat the Hornets and the Mavericks to reach their first Western Conference Finals since 1985.
1986: Back numbers changed to royal blue
In 1986, the Nuggets changed the back numbers on the rainbow city skyline uniforms to royal blue.
1987: Second time Nuggets started the season 2-0 since 1987
In 1987, before the 2009-10 season, it was the second time since 1987 that the Nuggets started the season 2–0.
1987: Won 54 games
In the 1987–88 season, the Denver Nuggets won 54 games, the most they had ever won as an NBA team.
1987: Last time Nuggets finished with at least 50 wins
The 2007-08 season was the first time since the 1987-88 NBA season that the Nuggets finished with at least 50 wins in a season.
1988: Nuggets win Game 1 with home-court advantage
In 2009, the Denver Nuggets won Game 1 of the playoffs against the New Orleans Hornets, marking the first time they had home-court advantage since 1988.
1988: Eliminated in the second round
In the 1988 NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks eliminated the Denver Nuggets in the second round.
1989: Team sold to COMSAT
In 1989, Shlenker sold the Denver Nuggets team to COMSAT.
1990: Moe left the team
In 1990, Doug Moe left the Denver Nuggets team and was replaced by Paul Westhead.
1991: Drafted Dikembe Mutombo
In 1991, the Denver Nuggets drafted Dikembe Mutombo from Georgetown University.
1991: Word "Nuggets" became white
In 1991, the word "Nuggets" on the rainbow city skyline uniforms became white with royal blue and gold trim.
1992: Rainbow city skyline uniforms worn until this season
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 head coach
Prior to the 1992–93 season, the Denver Nuggets fired Paul Westhead and hired former star player Dan Issel as his successor.
1993: Drastic Change in 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.
1993: Navy blue part of the color scheme
For the 2008-09 season, the royal blue was replaced by the shade of navy blue that was part of the team's color scheme from 1993 to 2003.
1993: Snow-capped mountain/enlarged western-style wordmark logo replaced
In 2018-19 season, the snow-capped mountain/enlarged western-style wordmark logo that had served as the team's primary logo since 1993 was replaced.
1993: Ditched their rainbow colors
Starting in the 1993–94 season, the Denver Nuggets ditched their rainbow colors for a dark navy, metallic gold and wine color scheme.
1995: Acquired Antonio McDyess
Following the 1994 season, the Denver Nuggets acquired Antonio McDyess in a draft-day trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.
1995: COMSAT buys Quebec Nordiques
In 1995, COMSAT acquired the Quebec Nordiques of the NHL and relocated the team to Denver as the Colorado Avalanche.
1996: Mutombo left after the 1995–96 season
Following that season, Mutombo left the Denver Nuggets after the 1995–96 season for the Atlanta Hawks
1996: Nuggets finish season with fourth-worst record
In 1996, the Denver Nuggets concluded the 1996-97 season with the fourth-worst record in the league, at 21 wins and 61 losses.
1997: McDyess traded to Phoenix, Nuggets approach futility record
In 1997, Antonio McDyess was traded to the Phoenix Suns. During the 1997-98 season, the Nuggets nearly set a record for the fewest wins in an 82-game season, tying the NBA's worst single-season losing streak at 23 games.
1997: COMSAT agrees to sell Ascent Entertainment Group to Liberty Media
In 1997, COMSAT agreed in principle to sell Ascent Entertainment Group to Liberty Media, with the deal contingent upon Ascent selling the Avalanche and Nuggets.
1998: Planned introduction of pick axe logo
The planned introduction of the pick axe logo was as early as 1998, but then-NBA commissioner David Stern was not informed of the possible logo change. As a result, the logo was shelved until it was brought in as an alternate seven years later in 2005.
1999: Issel returns as head coach
In 1999, Dan Issel returned as head coach for the Denver Nuggets. However, the ongoing ownership negotiations hindered his ability to rebuild the team.
2000: Nuggets finish with 40-42 record
In 2000, the Denver Nuggets finished with a 40-42 record, a game below .500.
2000: Shaquille O'Neal last center to be named MVP before Jokić
In the 2020–21 NBA season, Jokić was named the NBA Most Valuable Player, becoming the first center since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to win the award.
2000: Personnel moves affected by ownership situation
Just before the start of the 2000 season, coach Issel stated that several personnel moves could not be made due to the unstable ownership situation.
August 9, 2001: Kiki Vandeweghe assumes general manager duties
On August 9, 2001, Kiki Vandeweghe became the general manager of the Nuggets.
2001: Nuggets finish with 40-42 record and coach Issel forced to resign.
In 2001, the Denver Nuggets finished with a 40-42 record, a game below .500. Later, coach Dan Issel was forced to resign.
2002: Incredible Turnaround for Nuggets
In 2002, The Nuggets recorded more wins in just two months of the season than they had in 5+1⁄2 months of play in 2002–03
2002: Nuggets tie for worst record in the NBA
In 2002, the Denver Nuggets tied for the worst record in the NBA with a 17-65 record.
2002: Navy blue returns as a primary color
In the 2017–18 season the uniforms 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.
2002: Uniforms worn until this season
The uniforms introduced in 1993 were worn for a decade, until the end of the 2002–03 season.
2003: Lowest draft pick since 2003
Entering the 2015 NBA draft, the Nuggets had their lowest draft pick (seventh overall) since 2003.
2003: Another Uniform Change
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: Powder blue eliminated from logos and uniforms
For the 2018–19 season, Powder blue, which had been part of the team's color scheme since 2003, was eliminated from all logos and uniforms.
2003: Nuggets draft Carmelo Anthony, update logos and uniforms
In 2003, the Denver Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony. The team also updated their logos and uniforms, introducing a new color scheme of powder blue, gold, and royal blue, later changed in 2008.
December 28, 2004: Jeff Bzdelik fired, Michael Cooper and George Karl hired
On December 28, 2004, Jeff Bzdelik was fired as head coach and replaced by Michael Cooper as interim coach. George Karl was later hired as the permanent replacement. Karl led the team to a 32-8 record in the second half of the season.
2004: Qualified for the NBA playoffs
From 2004 to 2013, the Denver Nuggets qualified for the NBA playoffs in ten consecutive seasons.
2005: Nuggets win Northwest division title
In 2005, the Denver Nuggets won the Northwest division title for the first time in 18 years, securing the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Kiki Vandeweghe's contract was not renewed, and Mark Warkentien replaced him as general manager.
2005: Spurs eliminate Nuggets in first round
In 2005, the San Antonio Spurs bounced back to sweep the next four, as the Nuggets were eliminated in the first round in five games for the fourth straight year.
2005: Circular pick axe logo becomes the primary logo
In 2018-19 season, The circular "pick axe logo," which had served as the Nuggets' alternate logo since 2005, became the team's new primary logo.
2005: Nuggets draft Julius Hodge and trade Jarrett Jack
In the 2005 NBA draft, the Nuggets selected Julius Hodge with the 20th pick. They also selected Jarrett Jack with the 22nd overall selection, but sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers for rights to Portland's 27th overall pick, Linas Kleiza.
2005: Alternate logo and navy blue uniform introduced.
In the 2005–06 season, the Nuggets introduced an alternate logo, as well as an alternate navy blue uniform. The alternate logo featured twin intersecting gold pick-axes in a powder blue circle.
2005: Pick axe logo officially introduced
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.
December 18, 2006: Anthony, Smith, and Nenê suspended for 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. Anthony received a 15-game suspension, Smith received 10 games, and Nenê received one game.
December 19, 2006: Nuggets trade 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: Nuggets trade for Steve Blake
On January 11, 2007, Earl Boykins, Julius Hodge, and cash considerations were traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Steve Blake.
2007: End of the 2007-08 season
On July 16, 2008, at the end of the 2007–08 NBA season, the Nuggets traded former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second-round draft pick.
March 16, 2008: Nuggets score 168 points against SuperSonics
On March 16, 2008, the Denver Nuggets scored 168 points in a 168-116 home win over the Seattle SuperSonics, marking the third-most points scored in a regulation game in NBA history.
July 16, 2008: Nuggets trade Marcus Camby
On July 16, 2008, the Denver Nuggets traded Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second-round draft pick.
November 3, 2008: Nuggets trade for Chauncey Billups
On November 3, 2008, Allen Iverson was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb.
November 10, 2008: McDyess returns to Detroit
On November 10, 2008, Antonio McDyess, who was part of the trade with Detroit, was waived and returned to the Detroit Pistons shortly afterwards.
2008: Jerseys and team logo tweaked
For the 2008–09 season, the jerseys, along with the team logo, were tweaked. The royal blue was replaced by the shade of navy blue that was part of the team's color scheme from 1993 to 2003.
2008: Nuggets finish with 50 wins and are swept by Lakers in playoffs
In 2008, the Denver Nuggets finished the NBA season with 50 wins, marking the first time since the 1987-88 season. As the eighth seed, they were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2008 NBA playoffs.
2008: Royal blue changed to navy blue
In 2008, the royal blue in the Nuggets' color scheme was changed to navy blue.
2008: Anthony and Billups lead Nuggets to milestones
In the 2008-09 NBA season, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups led the Nuggets to numerous franchise milestones, matching their most wins since joining the NBA and setting a record for wins in the first half of the season.
July 13, 2009: Nuggets trade for Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe
On July 13, 2009, the Denver Nuggets traded a second-round draft pick to the Detroit Pistons for Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe.
2009: Anthony and Billups' strong performance
In 2009, Carmelo Anthony averaged 28.2 points per game, while Chauncey Billups had a career-high 19.6 points per game. Anthony scored a total of 71 points in the first two games, with 30 points in the home opener and 41 the next night against division rivals, the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively.
2009: Nuggets reach Western Conference Finals
In 2009, the Nuggets beat the Hornets and the Mavericks to reach their first Western Conference Finals since 1985. They lost to the Lakers 4-2.
July 14, 2010: Nuggets sign Al Harrington and appoint new management
On July 14, 2010, the Nuggets signed Al Harrington to strengthen their frontcourt. Additionally, Masai Ujiri took over from Mark Warkentien as general manager, 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 in a multi-player deal. The Nuggets received Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, and Kosta Koufos.
2011: Cavaliers break losing streak record
In 2011, the Cleveland Cavaliers broke the losing streak record previously tied by the Nuggets.
2011: First All-Star since 2011
On January 31, 2019, Nikola Jokić became the Nuggets' first All-Star since Carmelo Anthony in 2011.
2011: Navy blue uniform used until the end of this season
The alternate navy blue jersey introduced in 2005 was used until the end of the 2011–12 season.
March 15, 2012: Nenê traded to Washington Wizards for JaVale McGee
On March 15, 2012, the Nuggets traded Nenê to the Washington Wizards in exchange for JaVale McGee to make their team younger.
August 10, 2012: Nuggets acquire Andre Iguodala in a 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 a gold alternate jersey
For the 2012–13 season, the Nuggets unveiled a gold alternate jersey, replacing the navy blue jerseys used during the previous seven seasons. This jersey featured a return to the Denver "rainbow skyline" logo, using the team's "Aachen" typeface and a color scheme of powder blue, navy and gold.
2012: Nate Robinson played for Bulls during the 2012-2013 season
In the 2012-2013 season, Nate Robinson played for the Bulls before being signed to the Denver Nuggets during the 2013 off-season.
2012: Playoffs for the first time since 2012-2013
The Nuggets made the playoffs for the first time in the 2018-2019 season since the 2012-2013 season.
2012: Skyline logo reintroduced on alternate jerseys
The font and "skyline" logo from the 1980s were later reintroduced on alternate jerseys beginning with the 2012–13 season.
June 21, 2013: Tim Connelly Appointed as the New General Manager
On June 21, 2013, Tim Connelly was announced as the new general manager of the Denver Nuggets. Brian Shaw was hired to replace Karl as the head coach.
2013: Qualified for the NBA playoffs
From 2004 to 2013, the Denver Nuggets qualified for the NBA playoffs in ten consecutive seasons.
2013: Nuggets finish with franchise-best record and fire coach Karl
In 2013, the Nuggets achieved a franchise-best 57–25 record, finishing as the third seed in the Western Conference. Despite this success and winning the NBA Coach of the Year Award, coach George Karl was fired after the season.
2013: First winning season since 2013
The Nuggets compiled their first winning season in 2017 since 2013, but missed the playoffs.
2013: Playoffs for the first time since 2012-2013
The Nuggets made the playoffs for the first time in the 2018-2019 season since the 2012-2013 season.
2014: Nuggets trade for Arron Afflalo and draft Nikola Jokić
During the 2014 off-season, the Nuggets traded for Arron Afflalo and drafted Nikola Jokić, who would later become one of the biggest draft steals in NBA history.
2014: Lowest draft pick since 2003
Entering the 2015 NBA draft, the Nuggets had their lowest draft pick (seventh overall) since 2003.
2014: 76ers break losing streak record
In 2014, the Philadelphia 76ers also broke the losing streak record previously tied by the Nuggets.
2014: Jerseys used until this season
The jerseys, along with the team logo that were tweaked prior to the 2008-09 season, were used until the 2014–15 season.
March 3, 2015: Brian Shaw fired, Melvin Hunt named interim head coach
On March 3, 2015, the Nuggets fired head coach Brian Shaw and appointed Melvin Hunt as the interim head coach.
June 15, 2015: Michael Malone named head coach
On June 15, 2015, Michael Malone was appointed as the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets.
July 14, 2015: Ty Lawson arrested for DUI
On July 14, 2015, Ty Lawson was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence, marking his second DUI arrest in six months.
2015: Script and numbering fonts modified on jerseys
In 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.
January 27, 2016: Mudiay and Jokić to participate in Rising Stars Challenge
On January 27, 2016, Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokić were selected to participate in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge during the 2016 NBA All-Star weekend.
2016: Denver Nuggets add Jamal Murray
During the 2016 NBA draft, the Denver Nuggets added Jamal Murray, Juan Hernangómez, Malik Beasley, and Petr Cornelie.
February 13, 2017: Nurkić Traded to Portland Trail Blazers
On February 13, 2017, Jusuf Nurkić was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers along with a 2017 first-round draft pick in exchange for Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second-round pick, and cash considerations.
June 15, 2017: Karnišovas and Connelly promoted
On June 15, 2017, Artūras Karnišovas was promoted to general manager and Tim Connelly to president of basketball operations for the Nuggets.
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
In 2017, Nike released a fourth uniform option known as the "City" series for the Denver Nuggets. The first "City" uniform had a navy base with the pick-axe and mountain logo and sublimated mountain peak patterns on the shorts.
2017: Uniforms Updated
In 2017, The Nuggets updated their uniforms. 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. Slight tweaks were made to the striping and lettering. Western Union became the team's jersey sponsor.
2017: Snow-capped mountain logo serves as primary logo until this season.
The snow-capped mountain logo would serve as the team's primary logo until the 2017–18 season.
2018: Nuggets missed the 2018 playoffs
Despite compiling their first winning season since 2013, the Nuggets missed the 2018 playoffs after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2018: Nuggets drafted Michael Porter Jr.
During the 2018 NBA draft, the Nuggets drafted Michael Porter Jr.
2018: Logos and uniforms modified.
In 2018, The Nuggets modified their logos and uniforms, featuring various color schemes that the team has worn in their history. The current color scheme consists of midnight blue (navy), sunshine yellow, flatirons red (maroon) and skyline blue (royal).
2018: Nuggets' "City" uniform callback to rainbow uniforms
In 2018, 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: Second round pick
In February 2017, Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second-round pick, and cash considerations were traded to the Nuggets.
2018: Pick axe logo becomes new primary logo
The circular "pick axe" logo introduced in 2005 became the team's new primary logo for the 2018–19 season.
January 31, 2019: Jokić selected as All-Star
On January 31, 2019, Nikola Jokić received his first All-Star selection as a Western Conference reserve, making him the Nuggets' first All-Star since Carmelo Anthony in 2011.
2019: Nuggets come back from 3-1 deficits
During the 2019–20 NBA season, the Nuggets became the first team in NBA playoff history to consecutively overcome 3–1 deficits. They defeated Utah and the Los Angeles Clippers before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
2019: Nuggets' "City" uniform design with black base
In 2019, the Denver Nuggets' "City" uniform design was the same as the 2018-19 uniform, but with a black base and white letters.
2020: Nuggets keep "City" uniform design with new colors
In 2020, 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.
2020: Nuggets given "Earned" uniform option for making NBA playoffs
In 2020, the Denver Nuggets, having qualified for the 2020 NBA playoffs, were given an exclusive "Earned" uniform option. The white-based design featured a modified pickaxe logo.
2020: Jokić named NBA Most Valuable Player
In the 2020–21 NBA season, Jokić was named the NBA Most Valuable Player, becoming the first center since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 and the first player in Nuggets franchise history to win the award.
2021: Nuggets receive mashup "City" uniforms for NBA's 75th anniversary
In 2021, the Denver Nuggets were one of 27 teams to receive mashup "City" uniforms as part of the NBA's 75th anniversary. Denver's uniform featured various design takes from past uniforms.
2022: Nuggets wear white "City" uniforms inspired by Denver's architecture
In 2022, for their "City" uniform, the Denver Nuggets wore white uniforms with navy letters, gold and red trim, and royal blue/white gradient stripes, inspired by Denver's architecture.
2022: Nuggets secure top seed in Western Conference
In the 2022–23 season, the Nuggets secured the top seed in the Western Conference with 53 wins and 29 losses, two games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies.
2022: Statement uniform tweaked
Prior to the 2022–23 season, the "Statement" uniform was slightly 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 their 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: Won First NBA Championship in 2023
In 2023, led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets reached their first NBA Finals and defeated the Miami Heat to capture the franchise's first NBA championship.
2023: Nuggets revisit mountain-themed motif for "City" uniform
In 2023, the Denver Nuggets revisited the mountain-themed motif from their 1980s "Rainbow" uniforms for their "City" uniform. The black-based design featured sublimated blue lines representing the Rocky Mountains and "5280" in gold.
2023: Nuggets finish with 2nd seed; advance to playoffs
In the 2023 season, Denver finished with the 2nd seed in the Western Conference with a 57–25 record. They defeated the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs but lost to the Timberwolves in the conference semifinals.
May 8, 2024: Nikola Jokić wins his third MVP award
On May 8, 2024, Nikola Jokić won his third Most Valuable Player Award, joining the ranks of other greats such as Moses Malone and Larry Bird as the ninth player to achieve this milestone.
2024: Nuggets revisit "Rainbow" theme for "City" uniform
In 2024, the Denver Nuggets revisited the "Rainbow" theme for their "City" uniform, last seen in the 2018–2020 "City" uniforms, as well as last season's "5280" uniform. The white-based uniform featured "5280" in white trimmed in black along with rainbow mountain accents.
April 8, 2025: Roster Updated
On April 8, 2025, the Denver Nuggets' roster was updated.
2025: Teams to stay in Denver until at least 2025
As part of the 2000 deal, the teams will stay in Denver until at least 2025.
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