The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado, competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference. The franchise was established in 1967 as the Denver Larks, a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA). Before their inaugural season, the team was renamed the Denver Rockets under new ownership. In 1974, the franchise adopted the name “Nuggets,” a nod to Colorado’s rich mining history and as preparation for their transition to the NBA following the 1976 ABA–NBA merger.
During their ABA tenure, the Nuggets were a competitive force, reaching the league playoffs in all but two seasons and finishing as runners-up in the 1976 ABA Finals against the New York Nets. After joining the NBA, the team experienced periods of strong performance, highlighted by playoff streaks throughout the 1980s and 2000s. The Nuggets became known for their fast-paced offense and home-court advantage at high altitude in Denver.
In the modern era, the Nuggets achieved historic success under the leadership of Nikola Jokić, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Jamal Murray. The duo guided the team to its first-ever NBA Championship in 2023, defeating the Miami Heat in the Finals. This victory marked a milestone for the franchise and solidified Jokić’s legacy as one of the most dominant centers in basketball history. The Nuggets were the final surviving ABA team to reach the NBA Finals and the second to capture the title, following the San Antonio Spurs.
The team’s home arena, Ball Arena, is a multi-purpose venue shared with the Colorado Avalanche (NHL) and the Colorado Mammoth (NLL). Known for its passionate fanbase and high-energy atmosphere, Ball Arena has become one of the toughest places for visiting teams to play. Today, the Denver Nuggets continue to build on their championship legacy, blending elite talent, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence on and off the court.
Other players played for Denver Nuggets Women
