History of Denver Nuggets in Timeline
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, competing in the NBA's Western Conference as a member of the Northwest Division. Founded in 1967 as the Denver Larks in the ABA, they were renamed the Rockets before their inaugural season due to ownership changes. In 1974, they adopted the name "Nuggets" in anticipation of joining the NBA. The Nuggets reached the final ABA Championship in 1976, losing to the New York Nets, before eventually transitioning to the NBA.
1948: Original Denver Nuggets NBL team
From 1948 to 1950, it was the last year as a charter member of the NBA following the BAA merging operations with the NBL to create the modern-day NBA of the original Denver Nuggets NBL team.
1949: NBL merged with BAA to become the NBA
Following the 1949–50 season, the NBL merged with the Basketball Association of America (BAA), with the newly unified circuit named the National Basketball Association to reflect the merger.
1950: Original Denver Nuggets NBL team
From 1948 to 1950, it was the last year as a charter member of the NBA following the BAA merging operations with the NBL to create the modern-day NBA of the original Denver Nuggets NBL team.
1967: ABA 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, which later moved to Denver and became the Denver Larks.
1967: Denver Larks founded
In 1967, the Denver Nuggets were originally founded as the Denver Larks as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
1969: Spencer Haywood joined the team
In the 1969–70 season, controversial rookie Spencer Haywood joined the Denver Rockets. Haywood was named ABA MVP, ABA rookie of the year, as well as the All-Star Game MVP. The team finished 51–33, winning their division, before exiting the playoffs in the 2nd round.
1970: Haywood signed 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.
1971: Did not qualify for the ABA playoffs
In 1971, the Denver Nuggets did not qualify for the ABA playoffs.
1972: Ringsby sold the team
In 1972, Ringsby sold the Denver Rockets to San Diego businessmen Frank Goldberg and Bud Fischer following troubles with his trucking operations at the time.
August 7, 1974: Rockets change name 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: Did not qualify for the ABA playoffs
In 1974, the Denver Nuggets did not qualify for the ABA playoffs.
1974: NBA title with Kentucky Colonels
In 1975, the Denver Nuggets had 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, the team went 60–24, edged the reigning champion Kentucky Colonels four games to three to make the 1976 ABA finals for the first time.
1974: Best season as Nuggets
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: 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: NBA title with Kentucky Colonels
In 1975, the Denver Nuggets had 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, the team went 60–24, edged the reigning champion Kentucky Colonels four games to three to make the 1976 ABA finals for the first time.
1975: Best season as Nuggets
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: Anthony first Denver player to score 30 points since 1976
During 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: Lost to the New York Nets
In 1976, Denver Nuggets lost to the New York Nets and Julius Erving in 6 games.
1976: Goldberg and Fischer sold the team
In 1976, Goldberg and Fischer in turn sold the Denver Nuggets team to a local investment group in relation to the upcoming move from the ABA to the NBA.
1976: Nuggets lost the ABA Championship
In 1976, after the name change, the Denver Nuggets played for the final ABA Championship title, ultimately losing to the New York Nets.
1976: Nuggets joined the NBA
In 1976, the Denver Nuggets joined the NBA after the ABA–NBA merger.
1976: Mention of the Nuggets officially joining the NBA in 1976
The Nuggets finishing the 2007-08 NBA season with exactly 50 wins tied for the third-best all-time Nuggets record since the team officially joined the NBA in 1976.
1978: Red McCombs bought the team
In 1978, Red McCombs bought the Denver Nuggets team.
1979: Brown left the Nuggets
In 1979, 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 head coach, who brought with him a "motion offense" philosophy.
December 13, 1983: Record-breaking 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: Mention of the NBA going to a 16-team playoff format in 1983-84
The seven games separating the Nuggets and the Lakers overall records in the 2007-08 NBA season 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 traded to Trail Blazers
Before the 1984–85 season, Vandeweghe was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for 6–3 rebounding guard Fat Lever, undersized power forward Calvin Natt and center Wayne Cooper.
1984: English won the NBA scoring title
In 1984, at the end of the 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.
1985: Nuggets reach Western Conference Finals since 1985
During the 2008–09 NBA season, the Nuggets reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1985, making their longest playoff run in team history before losing the series 4-2.
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
The Denver Nuggets went 3–0, 4–0, and 5–0 for the first time since 1985 during the 2009-10 NBA season.
1987: Won 54 games
In the 1987-88 season, the Denver Nuggets managed to win 54 games, the most they had ever won as an NBA team.
1987: Second time since 1987 the Nuggets started the season 2-0
It was also only the second time since 1987 that the Nuggets started the season 2–0, during the 2009-10 NBA season.
1987: Mention of the 1987-88 NBA season
The 2007-08 NBA season 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
In the 1987–88 season, the Mavericks eliminated the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 1988 NBA Playoffs.
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: Shlenker sold the team
In 1989, Shlenker sold the Denver Nuggets team to COMSAT.
1990: Moe left the team
In 1990, Moe left the Denver Nuggets team and was replaced by Paul Westhead.
1991: Drafted Dikembe Mutombo
In 1991, the Denver Nuggets drafted Georgetown University center Dikembe Mutombo. Mutombo finished runner-up to Larry Johnson for the NBA rookie of the year that season. Denver finished 24–58 that year.
1992: Fired Westhead
Prior to the 1992–93 season, the Denver Nuggets fired Westhead and hired former star player Dan Issel as his successor.
1993: Nuggets drastically change their look
In 1993, the Nuggets dramatically altered their appearance, adopting a navy blue, metallic gold, and maroon color scheme for their uniforms, replacing the iconic "rainbow city skyline" logo.
1993: New colors and winning season
In the 1993–94 season, Denver ditched their rainbow colors for a dark navy, metallic gold and wine color scheme and finished with its first winning season since the Doug Moe era at 42–40. Denver clinched the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, playing the first place Seattle SuperSonics.
1995: McDyess traded to Los Angeles Clippers
Following that season, in 1995 the Denver Nuggets acquired Antonio McDyess in a draft-day trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.
1995: COMSAT Buys Quebec Nordiques, Moves to Denver as Colorado Avalanche
In 1995, COMSAT bought the Quebec Nordiques of the NHL and relocated them to Denver, renaming them the Colorado Avalanche.
1996: McDyess sent to Phoenix Suns
After finishing the 1996–97 season with the fourth-worst record in the league, in 1996 the Denver Nuggets sent Antonio McDyess to the Phoenix Suns, and Dale Ellis returned to Seattle.
1996: Mutombo left for Atlanta Hawks
Following that season, in 1996 Mutombo left after the 1995–96 season for the Atlanta Hawks, Ellis missed the majority of the next few seasons due to recurring knee and leg injuries, Rose was traded to the Indiana Pacers for Mark Jackson, and Abdul-Rauf was traded to the Sacramento Kings prior to the 1996–97 season.
1997: Flirted with history
After finishing the 1996–97 season with the fourth-worst record in the league, in 1997 the Denver Nuggets flirted with history in the 1997–98, by nearly setting the mark for fewest wins in an 82-game season (11).
1997: COMSAT Agrees 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. The deal was contingent upon Ascent selling the Avalanche and Nuggets.
1998: Planned introduction of the Pick Axe Logo
In 1998, Tom O'Grady had planned on introducing the logo but then-NBA commissioner David Stern was not informed of the possible logo change, so 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, Issel returned as head coach of the Denver Nuggets. However, the ongoing ownership negotiations made it difficult for him to rebuild the team.
July 2000: Stan Kroenke Buys Avalanche, Nuggets, and Pepsi Center
In July 2000, real estate entrepreneur Stan Kroenke purchased the Avalanche, Nuggets, and Pepsi Center for $450 million, with Liberty retaining a 6.5% interest. Kroenke placed the teams into a trust to ensure they remained in Denver until at least 2025.
2000: Issel unable to make personnel moves due to unstable ownership
Just before the start of the 2000 season, coach Issel expressed frustration about being unable to make essential personnel changes because of the unstable ownership situation.
August 9, 2001: Kiki Vandeweghe Assumes General Manager Duties
On August 9, 2001, Kiki Vandeweghe, a former Nuggets player, became the general manager of the team.
2002: Tied for worst record in the NBA
Several years later, in 2002–03, the Denver Nuggets tied for the worst record in the NBA, also with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2002: Nuggets performance in 2002
The 2003 Nuggets recorded more wins in just two months of the season, surpassing what they had achieved in 5½ months of play in 2002.
2003: Nuggets introduce powder blue, gold, and royal blue color scheme
In 2003, coinciding with Carmelo Anthony's debut, the Nuggets introduced a new uniform change, featuring a color scheme of powder blue, gold, and royal blue, with a modified primary logo.
2003: Nuggets Draft Carmelo Anthony and Update Logos and Uniforms
In 2003, the Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony as the third overall pick. The team also updated their logos and uniforms, introducing a new color scheme.
December 28, 2004: Jeff Bzdelik Fired, Michael Cooper Named Interim Coach
On December 28, 2004, Jeff Bzdelik was fired as head coach of the Denver Nuggets. Michael Cooper was named as the interim coach, until George Karl was hired.
2004: Qualified for the NBA playoffs
From 2004, the Denver Nuggets qualified for the NBA playoffs in ten consecutive seasons until 2013.
2005: "Pick axe" logo introduced
In 2005, the "pick axe" logo was officially introduced as an alternate logo after being shelved for seven years due to then-NBA commissioner David Stern not being informed of the possible logo change in 1998.
2005: Nuggets Pick Julius Hodge and Trade Jarrett Jack in the 2005 NBA Draft
In the 2005 NBA draft, the Nuggets selected Julius Hodge with the 20th pick. They also had the 22nd overall pick, Jarrett Jack, but traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers for rights to Linas Kleiza.
2005: Nuggets Win Northwest Division Title
In the 2005-06 season, the Denver Nuggets won the Northwest division title for the first time in 18 years. They were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers in 5 games.
2005: Nuggets introduced an alternate logo and uniform
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, with a half-white/half-yellow "mountain peaks" at the top of the circle and a basketball with gold outlining and navy blue accents at the bottom of the circle.
2005: Nuggets playoff record in 2005
The San Antonio Spurs eliminated the Denver Nuggets in the first round in five games for the fourth straight year. This occurred in the 2005 playoffs.
December 18, 2006: Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, and Nenê 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 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 Steve Blake.
2007: End of the 2007-08 NBA season
On July 16, 2008, at the end of the 2007-08 NBA season, the Nuggets traded Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second-round draft pick.
March 16, 2008: Nuggets Score 168 Points Against Seattle SuperSonics
On March 16, 2008, the Nuggets scored 168 points in a 168–116 win over the Seattle SuperSonics, the third-most points scored in a regulation NBA game.
July 16, 2008: Nuggets Trade Marcus Camby to the 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 Trade Allen Iverson for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb
On November 3, 2008, the Nuggets traded Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb.
November 10, 2008: McDyess Waived, Returns to Detroit
On November 10, 2008, Antonio McDyess was waived by the Nuggets and soon returned to the Detroit Pistons.
2008: Tweaks to Jerseys
In 2008, the Nuggets tweaked their jerseys and team logo by replacing the royal blue with navy blue from the team's color scheme from 1993 to 2003.
2008: Color changed to navy blue in 2008
In 2008, the royal blue from the logos and uniforms was changed to navy blue.
2008: Nuggets Finish Season with 50 Wins, Swept by Lakers in Playoffs
The Denver Nuggets finished the 2007-08 season with 50 wins, their first 50-win season since 1987-88. As the eighth seed, they were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2008 NBA playoffs.
2008: Billups joined Nuggets in 2008
With Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups joining in 2008, the Nuggets accomplished a great number of franchise milestones in the 2008-09 NBA season.
July 13, 2009: Nuggets Trade for Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe
On July 13, 2009, the Nuggets traded a second-round draft pick to the Detroit Pistons for Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe.
2009: Nuggets reach Western Conference Finals
During the 2008–09 NBA season, the Nuggets achieved a 54-28 record, won the Northwest division, and reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1985, making their longest playoff run in team history before losing the series 4-2.
2009: Anthony and Billups Performances in 2009-10 season
During the 2009-10 NBA season, Anthony averaged 28.2 points per game and Billups average a career-high 19.6 points per game.
July 14, 2010: Nuggets Sign Al Harrington
On July 14, 2010, the Nuggets signed Al Harrington to bolster their frontcourt depth.
February 22, 2011: Carmelo Anthony Traded to the New York Knicks
On February 22, 2011, Carmelo Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks along with other players in exchange for Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, and Kosta Koufos. The Nuggets won their game that night against the Grizzlies, and the fans chanted, "Who needs Melo?"
2011: The losing streak was later broken
The losing streak was later broken by the Cavaliers in 2011 and the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014 with 26 consecutive losses.
2011: Alternate navy blue uniform used until the end of the 2011-12 season
Until the end of the 2011-12 season the Nuggets used the alternate navy blue jersey which featured an alternate "Nuggets" script in gold, with navy blue interior trim and powder blue outlining. This jersey was introduced during the 2005-06 season.
March 15, 2012: Nenê Traded to the Washington Wizards
On March 15, 2012, the Denver Nuggets traded Nenê, who had played nine seasons for the team, to the Washington Wizards for JaVale McGee.
August 10, 2012: Nuggets Acquire Andre Iguodala in a Four-Team Trade
On August 10, 2012, the Denver Nuggets acquired Andre Iguodala in a four-team trade, sending Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington to the Orlando Magic. Dwight Howard was also sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in this trade.
2012: Nuggets unveil gold alternate jersey
For the 2012-13 season, the Nuggets unveiled a gold alternate jersey, which 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.
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, replacing Masai Ujiri.
2013: Qualified for the NBA playoffs
Until 2013, the Denver Nuggets qualified for the NBA playoffs in ten consecutive seasons from 2004.
2014: The losing streak was later broken
The losing streak was later broken by the Cavaliers in 2011 and the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014 with 26 consecutive losses.
2014: Jerseys used until the 2014-15 season
The powder blue, gold, and royal blue jerseys introduced in 2003, and tweaked in 2008, were used until the 2014-15 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 the interim head coach.
June 15, 2015: Michael Malone Named Head Coach
On June 15, 2015, Michael Malone was named the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets.
2015: Nuggets modified the script and numbering fonts on their home and away jerseys
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 the Portland Trail Blazers
On February 13, 2017, Jusuf Nurkić was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers 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 and Tim Connelly were promoted to 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: Nuggets updated their uniforms
In 2017 the Nuggets updated their uniforms for the 2017–18 season. Navy blue returned as a primary color for the first time since the 2002–03 season.
2017: Nike releases fourth uniform option
In the 2017-18 season, Nike released a fourth uniform option known as the "City" series. The Nuggets' first "City" uniform had a navy base, highlighting the pick-axe and mountain logo in front and incorporating sublimated mountain peak patterns on the shorts.
2017: Snow-capped mountain logo served as primary logo until the 2017-18 season
The snow-capped mountain logo introduced in 2003 served as the team's primary logo until the 2017-18 season.
2018: Nuggets modify their logos and uniforms
For the 2018-19 season, the Nuggets modified their logos and uniforms, featuring various color schemes that the team has worn in their history. Powder blue, which had been part of the team's color scheme since 2003, was eliminated from all logos and uniforms.
2018: Nuggets' 2018-19 City Uniform
The 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.
January 31, 2019: Jokić Named All-Star
On January 31, 2019, Nikola Jokić received his first All-Star selection, becoming the Nuggets' first All-Star since Carmelo Anthony in 2011.
2019: Nuggets' 2019-20 City Uniform
In 2019, the Nuggets used the same design for the 2019-20 City uniform, but with a black base and white letters.
2020: Nuggets' 2020-21 City Uniform
For the 2020-21 City uniform, 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.
2020: Nuggets given "Earned" uniform option
In the 2020-21 season, the Nuggets were given the "Earned" uniform option as a reward for making the 2020 NBA playoffs. The white-based design featured a modified pickaxe logo, with the top half in skyline blue and the bottom half in flatirons red.
2021: Nuggets receive mashup "City" uniform
In 2021, the Nuggets were one of 27 teams to receive mashup "City" uniforms as part of the NBA's 75th anniversary during the 2021–22 season.
2022: Nuggets' 2022-23 "City" uniform released
For the 2022-23 "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 its civic organizations.
2022: Slight tweak to "Statement" uniform
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 First NBA Championship
On June 12, 2023, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat to win their first NBA championship. Nikola Jokić was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.
2023: Nuggets revisited the mountain-themed motif for their 2023-24 "City" uniform
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: Nuggets win 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.
May 8, 2024: Nikola Jokić wins his third MVP award
On May 8, 2024, Nikola Jokić won his third Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the ninth player to achieve this milestone and tying with legends like Moses Malone and Larry Bird.
December 1, 2024: Roster last transaction
December 1, 2024 was the date of the last transaction for the Denver Nuggets' current roster.
2024: Nuggets revisited the Rainbow theme for their 2024-25 "City" uniform
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. The white-based uniform featured "5280" in white trimmed in black along with rainbow mountain accents along the text and sides.
