Every NBA franchise has had great players that have given their blood, sweat, and tears while wearing the team’s respective uniform. The Denver Nuggets have had a plethora of great players throughout its history. The Mount Rushmore Nuggets players in their team history are listed and analyzed.
The Mount Rushmore Of The Denver Nuggets
Honorable mention: Dikembe Mutombo
Former Nuggets center Dikembe Mutombo was drafted fourth overall in the 1991 NBA draft. Coming out of Georgetown, Mutombo was known for his defensive prowess and his shot blocking ability above all else. The 1991 first-round pick played for the Nuggets for his first six seasons and established himself as a force in the league.
As a member of the Nuggets, Mutombo accumulated three consecutive shot blocking championships (1993-1994 through 1995-96), three All-Star nods, and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 1994-95. Additionally, the seven-foot-two big man averaged 3.8 blocks per game along with 12.3 rebounds during his tenure in the Mile High City. Mutombo was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
4. David Thompson
Former Denver shooting guard David Thompson arrived with the Nuggets in 1975. Thompson played eight seasons for the Nuggets and earned three All-Star selections, two First Team All-NBA nods, and an All-Star MVP award.
Furthermore, Thompson averaged a wild 26 points per game as a rookie and averaged 24.9 points per game across his six-season tenure with the Nuggets. In fact, Thompson scored 73 points on April 9, 1978 against the Detroit Pistons. The former first overall pick shot an efficient 73.7 percent on the field that game, just saying.
3. Carmelo Anthony
Future Hall of Famer and former Denver Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony was a part of arguably the greatest draft class of all-time. The 2003 draft class featured Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James as well. Anthony went third overall to Denver and proceeded to become one of the league’s best all-time scorers.
With the Nuggets, Anthony earned four All-Star nods, four All-NBA appearances, and led the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals in 2009. Furthermore, Anthony averaged close to 25 points per game throughout his eight seasons with Denver. The 2003 NCAA champion may not have brought a championship to Denver, but his popularity and play-style landed him on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
2. Alex English
Former Nuggets small forward Alex English played in the baby blue colored uniform for eleven seasons and earned three All-NBA nods, eight All-Star selections, and won the 1982-83 scoring title. Speaking of scoring, English averaged 25.5 points per game across his eleven seasons in Denver.
The 1976 second round pick led Denver to nine consecutive playoff appearances and a Western Conference Finals appearance in 1985. The Basketball Hall of Fame added English in 1997.
1. Nikola Jokic
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has cemented himself as an all time great in the NBA. Jokic accumulated three MVP awards (within four seasons), six All-Star selections, six All-NBA nods, and led Denver to its first NBA championship in 2023.
Jokic is known for supreme playmaking ability, and a skillset that allows him to be an impactful scorer and rebounder. The Serbian center is recognized as one of the best players in the world currently. Therefore, Jokic’s accomplishments easily makes him the greatest Nuggets player ever.
The Last Word on The Mount Rushmore: Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets Mount Rushmore of players feature a crop of basketball’s greatest participants. Yes, the Nuggets only have one NBA championship to its name, but its best player (Jokic) is currently in his prime and aims to lead Denver to more titles down the line.
