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 first season. In 1974, they adopted the name Nuggets in anticipation of a move to the NBA. The Nuggets reached the final ABA Championship in 1976 but lost to the New York Nets.

1948: NBL Team Started

In 1948 to 1950, the last year as a charter member of the NBA following the BAA merging operations with the NBL to create the modern-day NBA.

1950: NBL Merged Operations

In 1948 to 1950, 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: Denver Rockets' Colors and Uniforms

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

1967: ABA Franchise Awarded

In 1967, one of the American Basketball Association (ABA)'s charter franchises was awarded to a group in Kansas City, Missouri, which eventually moved to Denver and became 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: Spencer Haywood Joins the Team

In 1969, controversial rookie Spencer Haywood joined the team and was named ABA MVP, ABA rookie of the year, as well as the All-Star Game MVP, averaging nearly 30 points and 19.5 rebounds per game in his only ABA season.

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 and Uniforms

Through 1970–71, the Denver Rockets' logos, uniforms, and colors were black, orange, and white.

1971: Rockets Change to Gold and Purple

From 1971–72, the Denver Rockets changed their uniforms to gold and purple (Columbine blue), with a new logo featuring a cartoonish rocket bouncing a gold and purple basketball.

1972: Ringsby sells the team

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

1973: Rockets Wear Gold and Purple

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: Team 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: Team went 60-24

In 1975–76, playing at their new arena, the Nuggets went 60–24 and made the 1976 ABA finals for the first time.

1975: Nuggets Management Inc Bought Team

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

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: Team went 60-24

In 1975–76, playing at their new arena, the Nuggets went 60–24 and made the 1976 ABA finals for the first time.

1976: Anthony scores 30+ points in 5 consecutive playoff games

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

1976: Lost to New York Nets

In 1975–76, the Nuggets lost to the New York Nets and Julius Erving in 6 games.

1976: Nuggets Lost the ABA Championship

In 1976, after changing names, the Nuggets played for the final ABA Championship title, ultimately losing to the New York Nets.

1976: Joined the NBA

In 1976, the Denver Nuggets joined the NBA following the ABA–NBA merger.

1976: Nuggets record tied

In the 2007-08 NBA season, The Denver Nuggets had a 50–32 overall record which tied for the third-best all-time Nuggets record since the team officially joined the NBA in 1976.

1976: Nuggets Retain Pick-Axe Logo

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: Inaugural Season in the NBA

In the 1977-78 season, the Nuggets simplified their uniforms following their inaugural season in the NBA. The home uniforms featured "Nuggets" in red, with a red pick-axe inside a blue oval, and gold numbers with blue trim. The road uniforms were blue, with "Denver" in blue with a blue pick-axe in a red oval, and gold numbers in front, white numbers and letters at the back.

1978: Team Bought by Red McCombs

In 1978, Red McCombs bought the Denver Nuggets team.

1979: Brown Left the Team

In 1979, Brown left the team, helping usher in a brief decline in their performance.

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 Simplify 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: 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. The initial home uniforms were white with navy and green trim, with "Nuggets" and the uniform number in gold with blue trim.

1982: Moses Malone wins Kia MVP Award

In 1982, Moses Malone won the Kia MVP Award. Jokić later matched Malone's achievement by winning back to back MVP awards, being the first center to do so since Malone in 1982 and 1983.

1982: Rainbow Uniforms Inspiration

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

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 Kia MVP Award

In 1983, Moses Malone won the Kia MVP Award for the second year in a row. Jokić later matched Malone's achievement by winning back to back MVP awards, being the first center to do so since Malone in 1982 and 1983.

1983: Margin of victory between Nuggets and Lakers

In the 2008 NBA playoffs, The seven games separating the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles 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 with Portland Trail Blazers

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 Western Conference finals

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

1985: McCombs sold team to Sidney Shlenker

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

1985: Change to Royal Blue

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 for first time since 1985

In the 2008-09 NBA season, The Denver Nuggets beat the sixth seed Dallas Mavericks four games to one in the Conference Semifinals to make their first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 1985.

1986: Back Numbers Changed to Royal Blue

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

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

1987: Nuggets finish season with at least 50 wins

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

1988: Eliminated in NBA playoffs

In the 1987–88 season, the Denver Nuggets won 54 games, the most they had ever won as an NBA team. However, the Mavericks eliminated the Nuggets in the second round of the 1988 NBA Playoffs.

1988: Nuggets' first home-court advantage since 1988

In the 2008-09 NBA season, The Denver 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 team to COMSAT

In 1989, Shlenker sold the Denver Nuggets to COMSAT.

December 15, 1990: Rocky The Mountain Lion Introduced

Rocky The Mountain Lion was introduced to Denver Nuggets fans on December 15, 1990 in a losing effort to the Phoenix Suns.

1990: Moe left the team

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

1991: Nuggets Wording Changes

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

1991: Drafted Dikembe Mutombo

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

1991: Rocky the mascot

Rocky The Mountain Lion has been the official team mascot since the 1990-1991 season.

1992: Dan Issel Hired as Successor

The Denver Nuggets fired Westhead prior to the 1992–93 season and hired former star player Dan Issel as his successor.

1992: End of Rainbow City Era

The Nuggets wore the Denver "rainbow city" skyline across the chest and back on both the home and away uniforms through 1992-93.

1993: Throwback Uniform

During the 2021-22 season, Denver's mashup "City" uniform featured navy blue and stylized numbers from the 1993–2003 uniforms, as part of the NBA's 75th anniversary.

1993: New Look for the Nuggets

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: New Color Scheme

In the 1993–94 season, the Denver Nuggets ditched their rainbow colors for a dark navy, metallic gold, and wine color scheme.

1993: Snow-capped mountain/enlarged wordmark logo

Since 1993, the snow-capped mountain/enlarged western-style wordmark logo had served as the Denver Nuggets' primary logo in three different versions. This changed in 2018 when it was replaced.

1995: Acquired Antonio McDyess

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

1995: COMSAT buys Quebec Nordiques and moves them to Denver

In 1995, COMSAT acquired the Quebec Nordiques of the NHL and relocated them to Denver, rebranding them as the Colorado Avalanche.

1996: Mutombo Leaves

In 1995–96, Mutombo left after the 1995–96 season for the Atlanta Hawks.

1997: COMSAT agrees to sell Ascent Entertainment Group to Liberty Media

In 1997, COMSAT reached an agreement in principle to sell Ascent Entertainment Group, which included its sporting assets, to Liberty Media. Liberty Media made the deal contingent upon Ascent selling the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets.

1997: Nuggets nearly set record for fewest wins

In the 1997-98 season, the Denver Nuggets nearly set the record for the fewest wins in an 82-game season with 11. They also tied the NBA's all-time worst single-season losing streak at 23 games during the 1997-98 season.

1998: Pick Axe Logo Shelved

In 1998, former NBA director of creative services Tom O'Grady had planned on introducing the pick axe logo, 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 amidst ownership negotiations

In 1999, Dan Issel returned as head coach for the Denver Nuggets. However, the ongoing ownership negotiations made it challenging for him to rebuild the team effectively.

July 2000: Stan Kroenke Buys Avalanche, Nuggets, and Pepsi Center

In July 2000, real estate entrepreneur Stan Kroenke acquired the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, and Pepsi Center in a $450 million deal. As part of the deal, Kroenke placed the teams into a trust that would ensure the teams stay in Denver until at least 2025.

2000: Shaquille O'Neal Last Center MVP Before Jokić

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was the last center to be named NBA Most Valuable Player before Nikola Jokić achieved the same honor in 2021.

2000: Nuggets below .500

In the 2000-2001 season, The Denver Nuggets remained out of the playoffs, with their best record of this time still a game below .500, finishing 40-42.

2000: Personnel moves restricted due to unstable ownership

Just before the start of the 1999-2000 season, coach Issel mentioned that due to the unstable ownership situation, there were several personnel moves he could not make for the Denver Nuggets.

2001: Kiki Vandeweghe assumes general manager duties

On August 9, 2001, Kiki Vandeweghe, a former Nuggets player, became the general manager for the Denver Nuggets.

2002: Nuggets turnaround

In 2002-2003 season, The Denver Nuggets recorded more wins in two months than they had in 5+1⁄2 months of play in the previous season.

2002: Nuggets tie for worst record in NBA

In the 2002–03 season, the Denver Nuggets tied for the worst record in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers, posting a 17-65 record.

2002: Return of Navy Blue as a Primary Color

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

2002: End of the Navy Blue, Gold, and Maroon Era

The Nuggets wore navy blue, metallic gold and maroon color scheme on their uniforms for a decade, until the end of the 2002–03 season.

2003: Throwback Uniform

During the 2021-22 season, Denver's mashup "City" uniform featured navy blue and stylized numbers from the 1993–2003 uniforms, as part of the NBA's 75th anniversary.

2003: Uniform Change to Powder Blue, Gold and Royal Blue

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

2003: Powder blue eliminated from Nuggets' color scheme

In 2003, powder blue had been part of the Denver Nuggets' color scheme since 2003, but in 2018 was eliminated from all logos and uniforms.

2003: Nuggets draft Carmelo Anthony and update logos/uniforms

In 2003, the Denver Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony with the third overall pick in the NBA draft. The team also updated their logos and uniforms, adopting a new color scheme of powder blue, gold, and royal blue.

December 28, 2004: Jeff Bzdelik fired, Michael Cooper and George Karl replace him

On December 28, 2004, the Denver Nuggets fired head coach Jeff Bzdelik. Michael Cooper served as interim coach before George Karl was hired as the permanent replacement.

2004: Qualified for NBA Playoffs

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

2005: Pick axe logo becomes alternate logo

In 2005, the circular "pick axe logo" had served as the Denver Nuggets' alternate logo since 2005, and in 2018, became the team's new primary logo.

2005: Nuggets draft Julius Hodge and trade Jarrett Jack for Linas Kleiza

In the 2005 NBA draft, the Denver Nuggets selected Julius Hodge with the 20th pick. They also selected Jarrett Jack with the 22nd pick but traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers for the rights to Portland's 27th overall pick, Linas Kleiza.

2005: Nuggets Eliminated in First Round of Playoffs

In the 2005 NBA playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Denver Nuggets, eliminating them in the first round in five games for the fourth straight year.

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, earning the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They then lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in 5 games.

2005: Alternate Logo and Navy Blue Uniform Introduced

In the 2005–06 season, the Nuggets introduced an alternate logo, featuring twin intersecting gold pick-axes, as well as an alternate navy blue uniform.

2005: Official Introduction of Pick Axe Logo

While the "pick axe" logo was officially introduced in 2005, it was originally planned for introduction as early as 1998.

December 18, 2006: Anthony, Smith, and Nenê suspended for fight

On December 18, 2006, Denver Nuggets co-captain Carmelo Anthony, shooting guard J. R. Smith, and power forward Nenê were suspended by the NBA for their involvement in a fight against the New York Knicks two days earlier.

December 19, 2006: Nuggets trade for Allen Iverson

On December 19, 2006, the Denver Nuggets traded Joe Smith, Andre Miller, and two first-round draft picks to the Philadelphia 76ers for Allen Iverson. This move gave the Nuggets the top two scorers in the league at the time.

January 11, 2007: Nuggets trade for Steve Blake

On January 11, 2007, the Denver 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 SuperSonics

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

July 16, 2008: Nuggets trade Marcus Camby to Clippers

On July 16, 2008, the Denver Nuggets traded Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second-round draft pick, which was then traded to the New York Knicks for Renaldo Balkman.

November 3, 2008: Nuggets trade Allen Iverson for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb

On November 3, 2008, the Denver Nuggets traded Allen Iverson 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 had been acquired by the Denver Nuggets in a trade, was waived and subsequently returned to the Detroit Pistons shortly afterward.

2008: Color scheme changed to navy blue

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

2008: Uniforms Tweaked

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 finish season with 50 wins and are swept by Lakers

The Denver Nuggets finished the 2007–08 NBA season with 50 wins and were the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The Los Angeles Lakers swept them in four games in the first round of the 2008 NBA playoffs, marking the second time in NBA history that a 50-win team was swept in a best-of-seven playoff series in the first round. It was Denver's fifth straight first-round loss.

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: Nuggets accomplish franchise milestones

In the 2008-09 NBA season, The Denver Nuggets had a 54–28 record matched the most wins the franchise had gotten since their induction in the NBA. The Denver Nuggets won Game 1 of the playoffs against the New Orleans Hornets, the first time they had home-court advantage since 1988.

July 14, 2010: Nuggets sign Al Harrington

On July 14, 2010, the Denver Nuggets strengthened their frontcourt by signing Al Harrington.

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

On February 22, 2011, Carmelo Anthony, along with Chauncey Billups and others, was traded to the New York Knicks in a multi-player deal also involving the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets received Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov and Kosta Koufos in return.

2011: Cavaliers break Nuggets' losing streak record

In 2011, the Cleveland Cavaliers broke the Denver Nuggets' previous record for the longest losing streak in a single season. The Cavaliers had 26 consecutive losses.

2011: Navy Blue Uniform Used Until 2011-12

The navy blue alternate uniform, introduced in the 2005-06 season, was used until the end of the 2011–12 season.

March 15, 2012: Nene Traded to Washington Wizards for JaVale McGee

On March 15, 2012, the Denver Nuggets traded Nenê to the Washington Wizards in exchange for JaVale McGee, aiming to rejuvenate the team's roster.

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

On August 10, 2012, the Denver Nuggets participated in a four-team trade, acquiring All-Star Andre Iguodala. Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington were sent to the Orlando Magic as part of the deal.

2012: Skyline Logo Reintroduced on Alternate Jerseys

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

2012: Gold Alternate Jersey Unveiled

For the 2012–13 season, the Nuggets unveiled a gold alternate jersey, replacing the navy blue jerseys. 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.

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

On June 21, 2013, Tim Connelly was officially announced as the new general manager for the Denver Nuggets.

2013: Qualified for NBA Playoffs

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

2014: 76ers break Nuggets' losing streak record

In 2014, the Philadelphia 76ers broke the Denver Nuggets' previous record for the longest losing streak in a single season. The 76ers had 26 consecutive losses.

2014: End of Powder Blue Era

The jerseys with the powder blue, gold and royal blue color scheme 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 appointed Melvin Hunt as the interim head coach.

June 15, 2015: Michael Malone Named New Head Coach

On June 15, 2015, Michael Malone was appointed as the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets, marking a new direction for the team.

July 14, 2015: Ty Lawson Arrested for DUI

On July 14, 2015, Ty Lawson, then a player for the Nuggets, was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), marking his second such incident in six months.

2015: Modified 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 both participate in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star 2016.

February 13, 2017: Nurkić Traded to Portland Trail Blazers

On February 13, 2017, Jusuf Nurkić, along with a 2017 first-round draft pick, 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, 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 jersey number during their 115–100 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

2017: Nike Releases City Uniform

In the 2017-18 season, Nike released a fourth uniform option known as the "City" series, which is updated annually. The Denver 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: Uniform Update with Nike

The Nuggets updated their uniforms for the 2017–18 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. Western Union became the team's jersey sponsor.

2017: Snow-Capped Mountain Logo Used Until 2017-18

The snow-capped mountain logo would serve as the team's primary logo until the 2017–18 season.

2018: Rainbow theme last seen in 2018

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.

2018: Nuggets Modify Logos and Uniforms

In 2018, the Denver Nuggets modified their logos and uniforms, incorporating various color schemes from the team's history. The color scheme included midnight blue, sunshine yellow, flatirons red, and skyline blue. Powder blue was removed. A modernized version of the skyline logo was added. The circular pick axe logo became the team's primary logo.

2018: City Uniform: Callback to 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.

2018: Pick Axe Logo Becomes Primary Logo

The circular "pick axe" logo introduced in the 2005-06 season, would become the team's new primary logo for the 2018–19 season.

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

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

2019: Same design as 2018 City uniform

The Denver Nuggets' 2019-20 "City" uniform kept the same design as the 2018 uniform, albeit with a black base and white letters.

2020: Rainbow theme last seen in 2020

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.

2020: City Uniform Design Modified

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.

2020: Nuggets Get Earned Uniform

Having qualified for the 2020 NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets were given the "Earned" uniform option in the 2020-21 season. The white-based design featured a modified pickaxe logo, with the top half in skyline blue and the bottom half in flatirons red.

2021: Mashup City Uniform for NBA 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 uniform featured various design takes from past uniforms.

2022: City Uniform Inspired by Denver Architecture

For the 2022-23 "City" uniform, the Denver 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: Nuggets Secure Top Seed with Key Acquisitions

In the 2022–23 season, elevated by the offseason acquisitions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown, the Nuggets secured the top seed in the Western Conference.

2022: Statement Uniform Tweaked

Prior to the 2022-23 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 defeated the Miami Heat 4–1 to win their first NBA championship. Nikola Jokić was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.

2023: Nuggets City Uniform Revisits Mountain Theme

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 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: First Season as Defending Champions

In the 2023–24 season, the first season in league history with the Nuggets as defending champions, Denver finished with the 2nd seed in the Western Conference.

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 achieve this milestone and tying with legends like Moses Malone and Larry Bird.

2024: Nuggets City Uniform features 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. The white-based uniform featured "5280" in white trimmed in black along with rainbow mountain accents along the text and sides.

2024: Nuggets finished fourth 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, tying with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers, and 1 game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the first round, they faced off against the 5th seeded Los Angeles Clippers. They beat them in 7 games. A notable play is in game 4, Aaron Gordon, had a game winning dunk in the last second. They then faced off against the one seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the semi-finals but lost in 7 games.

March 7, 2025: Nikola Jokić Achieves Historic Feat

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

August 15, 2025: Roster Updated

The Denver Nuggets roster was updated on August 15, 2025.

2025: Teams ensured to stay in Denver until 2025

In July 2000, as part of the deal when real estate entrepreneur Stan Kroenke acquired the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, and Pepsi Center, Kroenke placed the teams into a trust that would ensure the teams stay in Denver until at least 2025.

2025: Nuggets fire head coach Michael Malone, and general manager Calvin Booth

On April 8th, 2025, the Nuggets fired both head coach Michael Malone, and general manager Calvin Booth. In the 2024-25 season, Denver finished with the 4th seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record. They faced off against the 5th seeded Los Angeles Clippers, and beat them in 7 games. They then faced off against the one seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the semi-finals but lost in 7 games. The Nuggets hired their interim head coach David Adelman as their official new head coach.

2025: City uniform reused

The Denver Nuggets' 2019-20 "City" uniform, albeit with a black base and white letters, was reused during the 2025–26 season.

2026: Draft Pick Trade to Nuggets

In 2025, The Phoenix Suns drafted DaRon Holmes II from Dayton. He was later traded to the Nuggets for the 28th overall pick (Ryan Dunn), the 56th overall pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2031 second-round pick.