History of Denver Nuggets in Timeline
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado, 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 and then became the Nuggets in 1974 as they prepared to transition to the NBA. They reached the ABA Championship in 1976 but lost to the New York Nets before officially joining the NBA.
1948: Denver Nuggets NBL team
In 1948, there was an original Denver Nuggets NBL team.
1950: Denver Nuggets NBL team
In 1950, there was an original Denver Nuggets NBL team, the last year as a charter member of the NBA following the BAA merging operations with the NBL to create the modern-day NBA.
1967: Franchise awarded in Kansas City, then moved to Denver
In 1967, one of the American Basketball Association (ABA)'s charter franchises was awarded to a group in Kansas City, Missouri, but after failing to find a suitable arena, the team was moved to Denver and named the Denver Larks.
1967: Team Founded as the 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 team, averaging nearly 30 points and 19.5 rebounds per game in his only ABA season, being named ABA MVP, ABA rookie of the year, as well as the All-Star Game MVP.
1970: Denver Rockets' logos, uniforms, and colors were black, orange, and white.
From 1967–68 through 1970–71, the Denver Rockets' logos, uniforms, and colors were black, orange, and white.
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 that allowed for both NBA and ABA teams to draft collegiate underclassmen going forward.
1971: Rockets wore gold and purple uniforms.
From 1971–72 through 1973–74, the Denver 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, Bill Ringsby sold the team to San Diego businessmen Frank Goldberg and Bud Fischer, following troubles with his trucking operations.
1973: Rockets wore gold and purple uniforms.
From 1971–72 through 1973–74, the Denver 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 change to the 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: ABA Title Winner
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.
1974: Playing in the Denver Auditorium Arena
Playing in the Denver Auditorium Arena for the last season the 1974–75 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 to Nuggets Management Inc.
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 actually applied to join the NBA, but were forced to stay in the ABA by a court order.
1975: Team Acquisitions
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: Best Seasons in Team History
With the drafting and signing of future Hall of Fame player David Thompson and Marvin Webster, and the acquisitions of Dan Issel and Bobby Jones (all signed for the 1975–76 season), with Larry Brown coaching, they had their best seasons in team history in their first two as the Nuggets.
1976: Lost the ABA Championship
In 1976, after the name change, the Denver Nuggets played for the final ABA Championship title, losing to the New York Nets.
1976: Joined the NBA
In 1976, the Denver Nuggets joined the NBA after the ABA–NBA merger.
1976: Lost to the New York Nets
In 1976, the Denver Nuggets lost to the New York Nets and Julius Erving in 6 games.
1976: Anthony became the 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: Nuggets joined the NBA in 1976
The Nuggets officially joined the NBA in 1976, following a 120–111 home victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the last game of the season.
1976: Nuggets retain pick-axe logo 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: Nuggets simplify uniforms following their inaugural season in the NBA
From 1977 to 1982, the Denver 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.
1978: Red McCombs Bought the Team
In 1978, Red McCombs bought the Denver Nuggets team.
1979: Brown Left the Team
In 1979, Larry Brown left the Denver Nuggets team, helping usher in a brief decline in their performance.
1981: Doug Moe Hired as Head Coach
In 1981, the Denver Nuggets hired Doug Moe as a head coach, bringing with him a "motion offense" philosophy.
1982: Nuggets white and blue uniforms
From 1977 to 1982, the Denver 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: Moses Malone last center to win back-to-back MVP awards
Nikola Jokić received the Kia MVP Award for the second year in a row in the 2021-2022 NBA season. In 1982 Moses Malone was the last center to achieve the award in back to back years.
1982: Rainbow uniforms
The Denver Nuggets' 2018–19 "City" uniform was a callback to the team's 1982–93 rainbow uniforms, featuring a sublimated pattern of the rainbow logo and navy lettering.
December 13, 1983: NBA Record Game
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: The NBA went to a 16-team playoff format
In 2008, 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.
1983: Moses Malone won back-to-back MVP awards
Nikola Jokić received the Kia MVP Award for the second year in a row in the 2021-2022 NBA season. In 1983 Moses Malone won the Kia MVP Award, making him the last center to achieve the award in back to back years before Nikola Jokić.
1984: English Won the NBA Scoring Title
At the end of the 1983-1984 NBA season, Alex English won the NBA scoring title, becoming the only Nugget to win the award despite the heavily favored offensive play of Doug Moe.
1984: Kiki Vandeweghe Traded to Portland
Before the 1984–85 NBA season, Kiki Vandeweghe was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for Fat Lever, Calvin Natt and Wayne Cooper.
1985: Sidney Shlenker Buys the Team
In 1985, Red McCombs sold the Denver Nuggets team to Sidney Shlenker.
1985: Nuggets change shade of blue.
In 1985, the Denver Nuggets changed the shade of blue to royal and eliminated green on their uniforms.
1985: Nuggets made their first trip to the Western Conference Finals
In 2009, the Denver Nuggets beat the Dallas Mavericks to make their first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 1985.
1986: Nuggets changed the back numbers to royal blue.
In 1986, the Denver Nuggets changed the back numbers to royal blue on their uniforms.
1987: Won 54 Games
In the 1987–88 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets won 54 games, the most they had ever won as an NBA team.
1987: Nuggets finished with at least 50 wins in a 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 the Second Round of the Playoffs
In the 1988 NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks eliminated the Denver Nuggets in the second round.
1988: Nuggets had home-court advantage since 1988
The Nuggets won Game 1 of the playoffs against the New Orleans Hornets, the first time they had home-court advantage since 1988.
1989: COMSAT Buys the Team
In 1989, Sidney 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: Word "Nuggets" became white with royal blue and gold trim.
In 1991, coinciding with the debut of Dikembe Mutombo, the word "Nuggets" became white with royal blue and gold trim.
1991: Drafted Dikembe Mutombo
In 1991, the Denver Nuggets drafted Georgetown University center Dikembe Mutombo.
1992: Hired Dan Issel
Prior to the 1992–93 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets fired Paul Westhead and hired former star player Dan Issel as his successor.
1993: Nuggets changed their look.
For the 1993–94 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets drastically changed their look, with a navy blue, metallic gold and maroon color scheme on their uniforms.
1993: 1993-2003 uniforms
In 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th anniversary, Denver's "City" mashup uniform featured navy blue and stylized numbers from the 1993–2003 uniforms
1993: New Color Scheme
Starting in the 1993–94 NBA 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 in 1995.
1995: COMSAT bought the NHL's Quebec Nordiques
In 1995, COMSAT bought the NHL's Quebec Nordiques and moved them to Denver as the Colorado Avalanche, marking a diversification into sports ownership.
1996: Mutombo Left for Atlanta
Following that season, Denver acquired Antonio McDyess in a draft-day trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. Dikembe Mutombo left after the 1995–96 season 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, the umbrella corporation for its sporting assets, to Liberty Media due to financial strain.
1997: Nuggets sent Antonio McDyess to the Phoenix Suns
In 1997, after a poor season, the Denver Nuggets traded Antonio McDyess to the Phoenix Suns, and Dale Ellis returned to Seattle as the team struggled.
1998: Tom O'Grady had planned to introduce the logo.
As early as 1998, former NBA director of creative services Tom O'Grady had planned on introducing the logo, but then-NBA commissioner David Stern was not informed of the possible logo change.
1999: Issel returned as head coach
In 1999, Issel returned as head coach, however, protracted ownership negotiations made it difficult for him to rebuild the team.
2000: Shaquille O'Neal last center to be named MVP before Jokić
In 2020-21 NBA season, Nikola Jokić was named the NBA Most Valuable Player. In 2000 Shaquille O'Neal was the last center to receive this award.
2000: Nuggets finish with a 40-42 record
In the 2000-2001 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets finished with a 40-42 record, marking a slight improvement but still remaining out of the playoffs.
2000: Personnel moves blocked due to unstable ownership
Just before the start of the 1999–2000 season, Issel told reporters there were several personnel moves he simply could not make due to the unstable ownership situation.
2001: Nuggets finish with a 40-42 record
In the 2000-2001 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets finished with a 40-42 record, marking a slight improvement but still remaining out of the playoffs.
2001: Kiki Vandeweghe assumed general manager duties
On August 9, 2001, Kiki Vandeweghe assumed the general manager duties for the Nuggets.
2002: Dan Issel resigns
In 2002, then-coach Dan Issel was forced to resign after making an inflammatory comment towards a heckling fan.
2002: Nuggets play in the 2002–03 season
Much of the reason for the incredible turnaround were the front-office moves of general manager Kiki Vandeweghe, a former Nuggets player who assumed general manager duties on August 9, 2001. In April, the turnaround was complete as they became the first franchise in NBA history to qualify for the postseason following a sub-20-win campaign the previous year since the NBA went to an 82-game schedule.
2002: Nuggets wore navy blue uniforms until the end of the 2002-03 season.
The Denver Nuggets wore navy blue, metallic gold and maroon uniforms for a decade, until the end of the 2002–03 season.
2002: Navy blue as a primary color for the first time since the 2002–03 season
The light, dark and alternate uniforms of the Denver Nuggets saw the return of navy blue as a primary color for the first time since the 2002–03 NBA season, while powder blue was drastically diminished and relegated to trim color status during the 2017-18 NBA season.
2003: Nuggets made another uniform change
For the 2003–04 NBA season, the Denver 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 draft Carmelo Anthony and update logos and uniforms
In 2003, the Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony and updated their logos and uniforms with a new color scheme. The team also had a great turnaround during the season and qualified for the postseason.
2003: 1993-2003 uniforms
In 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th anniversary, Denver's "City" mashup uniform featured navy blue and stylized numbers from the 1993–2003 uniforms
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 interim coach Michael Cooper, followed by the hiring of George Karl, who led the team to a strong second half of the season and a playoff berth.
2004: Qualified for NBA playoffs
From 2004 to 2013, The Denver Nuggets qualified for the NBA playoffs in ten consecutive seasons.
2005: Nuggets selected Julius Hodge with the pick
In the 2005 NBA draft, the Denver Nuggets selected Julius Hodge with the 20th overall pick and traded Jarrett Jack for the rights to Linas Kleiza.
2005: Nuggets eliminated in the first round of the playoffs
In the 2005 playoffs, the Nuggets, after winning game one in San Antonio, lost the next four games to the San Antonio Spurs, and lost the series 4-1.
2005: Nuggets win the Northwest division title
In the 2005-06 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets won the Northwest division title for the first time in 18 years, earning the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
2005: Nuggets introduced an alternate logo and navy blue uniform.
In the 2005–06 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets also introduced an alternate logo, as well as an alternate navy blue uniform.
2005: "pick axe" logo was officially introduced in 2005
The Denver Nuggets "pick axe" logo was officially introduced in 2005, but 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 Nene suspended after Knicks 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 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, the Nuggets traded Earl Boykins, Julius Hodge, and cash considerations to the Milwaukee Bucks for point guard Steve Blake.
March 16, 2008: Nuggets score 168 points against Seattle 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 traded Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers
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 to the Detroit Pistons
On November 3, 2008, Allen Iverson was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb.
November 10, 2008: McDyess was waived and returned to Detroit
On November 10, 2008, Antonio McDyess was waived by the Nuggets and returned to Detroit.
2008: Color scheme of uniforms changed to navy blue
In 2008, the color scheme of the Nuggets' uniforms was changed from royal blue to navy blue.
2008: Nuggets finish the season with 50 wins and are swept by the Lakers
In the 2007–08 NBA season, the Nuggets finished with 50 wins, marking their first 50-win season since 1987-88, but were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.
2008: Carmelo Anthony and Billups led the Nuggets to franchise milestones
In the 2008–09 NBA season, with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets matched their most wins since their NBA induction with a 54-28 record.
2008: Nuggets revised their jerseys
The Denver Nuggets' jerseys and team logo from the 2003-04 season were tweaked prior to the 2008–09 season, with the royal blue replaced by the shade of navy blue that was part of the team's color scheme from 1993 to 2003.
July 13, 2009: Nuggets traded 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: Nuggets made their first trip to the Western Conference Finals
In 2009, the Denver Nuggets beat the Dallas Mavericks to make their first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 1985.
July 14, 2010: Nuggets Sign Al Harrington
On July 14, 2010, the Denver Nuggets strengthened their frontcourt depth by signing Al Harrington.
February 22, 2011: Carmelo Anthony Trade
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 in return. Despite being left with only nine players, the Nuggets won their game against the Memphis Grizzlies 120–107 that day.
2011: Cavaliers break the NBA's all-time worst single-season losing streak
In 2011, the Cleveland Cavaliers broke the NBA's all-time worst single-season losing streak with 26 consecutive losses, surpassing the Nuggets' previous record.
2011: Nuggets alternate uniforms used until the end of the 2011-12 season.
The navy blue alternate uniform introduced in the 2005-06 season were used until the end of the 2011–12 season, while the circular "pick axe" logo would become the team's new primary logo for the 2018–19 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 make the team younger.
August 10, 2012: Denver Involved in Four-Team Trade
On August 10, 2012, the Denver Nuggets were involved in a four-team trade, acquiring Andre Iguodala and sending Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington to the Orlando Magic. The trade also sent Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers.
2012: Nuggets unveiled a gold alternate jersey
For the 2012–13 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets unveiled a gold alternate jersey, replacing the 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: Font and skyline logo reintroduced.
The font and "skyline" logo of the Denver Nuggets were later reintroduced on alternate jerseys beginning with the 2012–13 season.
June 21, 2013: Tim Connelly Named General Manager
On June 21, 2013, Tim Connelly was announced as the new general manager of the Denver Nuggets, replacing Masai Ujiri. Brian Shaw was hired as the new 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 the NBA's all-time worst single-season losing streak
In 2014, the Philadelphia 76ers matched the Cleveland Cavaliers' record of 26 consecutive losses, breaking the Nuggets' previous record.
2014: Nuggets jerseys were used until the 2014-15 season
The Denver Nuggets jerseys introduced in the 2003-04 NBA season 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 Interim Head Coach
On March 3, 2015, the Denver Nuggets fired head coach Brian Shaw and named Melvin Hunt interim head coach.
June 15, 2015: Michael Malone Named Head Coach
On June 15, 2015, Michael Malone was officially announced as the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets at the end of the 2014–15 season.
July 14, 2015: Ty Lawson Arrest and Trade
On July 14, 2015, Ty Lawson was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence. A week later, the Nuggets traded Lawson to the Houston Rockets along with a second round draft pick for Joey Dorsey, Nick Johnson, Kostas Papanikolaou, Pablo Prigioni, and a first round pick.
2015: Nuggets modified fonts on jerseys
For the 2015–16 NBA season, the Denver 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 in Rising Stars Challenge
On January 27, 2016, Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokić were announced to 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 a 2017 first-round draft pick, in exchange for Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second-round pick, and cash considerations.
June 15, 2017: Karnisovas and Connelly Promoted
On June 15, 2017, Artūras Karnišovas and Tim Connelly were officially promoted to become the Denver Nuggets' general manager and president of basketball operations, respectively.
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" uniform
In 2017, Nike released a fourth uniform option known as the "City" series for the Denver Nuggets, which would be updated annually. The first "City" uniform featured a navy base, highlighting the pick-axe and mountain logo, and sublimated mountain peak patterns on the shorts.
2017: Nuggets updated their uniforms.
The Denver Nuggets updated their uniforms for the 2017–18 NBA season. The light uniform (dubbed by Nike as the "Association" jersey), the dark uniform (dubbed by Nike as the "Icon" jersey) and the alternate uniform (dubbed by Nike as the "Statement" jersey) 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.
2017: Snow-capped mountain logo primary logo until the 2017-18 season.
The snow-capped mountain logo would serve as the Denver Nuggets' primary logo until the 2017–18 season.
2018: Nuggets revisit the Rainbow theme
As part of the 2024–25 "City" uniform, the Nuggets revisited the "Rainbow" theme last seen in the 2018–2020 "City" uniforms, as well as last season's "5280" uniform.
2018: Nuggets modified their logos and uniforms
For the 2018–19 NBA season, the Denver 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
In 2018, the 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 primary logo
The circular "pick axe logo," which had served as the Denver Nuggets' alternate logo since 2005, became 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.
2019: Nuggets' "City" uniform design repeated
In 2019, the same design from the previous year was used for the "City" uniform, but with a black base and white letters.
2020: Nuggets receive "Earned" uniform option
As a reward for making the NBA playoffs the previous season, the Nuggets were given an exclusive fifth or sixth uniform option: the "Earned" uniform in the 2020–21 season. The white-based design featured a modified pickaxe logo.
2020: Nuggets revisit the Rainbow theme
As part of the 2024–25 "City" uniform, the Nuggets revisited the "Rainbow" theme last seen in the 2018–2020 "City" uniforms, as well as last season's "5280" uniform.
2020: Nuggets' "City" uniform design change
In 2020, the 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: Nuggets receive mashup "City" uniforms for NBA's 75th anniversary
In 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th anniversary, the Nuggets were one of 27 teams to receive mashup "City" uniforms. Denver's uniform featured various design takes from past uniforms.
2022: Nuggets wear white "City" uniforms
In 2022, for their "City" uniform, the Nuggets wore white uniforms with navy letters, gold and red trim, and royal blue/white gradient stripes. The uniform was inspired by Denver's iconic architecture and civic organizations.
2022: Nuggets secure top seed in Western Conference
In the 2022–23 NBA season, the Nuggets secured the top seed in the Western Conference after offseason acquisitions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown.
2022: "Statement" uniform was slightly tweaked
Prior to the 2022–23 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets "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 First NBA Championship
On June 12, 2023, the Denver Nuggets beat the Miami Heat 4–1 in the NBA Finals to win their first NBA championship, with Nikola Jokić receiving the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.
2023: Nuggets revisit mountain-themed motif
For their 2023–24 "City" uniform, the 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 to symbolize Denver's high elevation.
2023: Won First NBA Championship
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: Denver Nuggets finished as defending champions
In the 2023–24 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets played their first season as defending champions.
May 8, 2024: Nikola Jokić wins his third Most Valuable Player 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.
December 1, 2024: Roster update
On December 1, 2024, the Denver Nuggets' roster was updated.
2024: Nuggets revisit the Rainbow theme
As part of the 2024–25 "City" uniform, the Nuggets revisited the "Rainbow" theme last seen in the 2018–2020 "City" uniforms, as well as last season's "5280" uniform.
2025: Kroenke ensured the teams will stay in Denver until at least 2025
As part of the deal from July 2000, Kroenke placed the teams into a trust that would ensure the teams will stay in Denver until at least 2025.
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