Denver Nuggets Best Players of All Time

The Denver Nuggets are an American professional basketball team that have been a part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) since 1976. Based in Denver, Colorado, they compete in the Western Conference Northwest Division and boast one of the most successful teams in NBA history with multiple appearances at championship finals. The Nuggets continue to strive for success this season under their star players such as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Gary Harris and Michael Porter Jr..

1. Nikola Jokić

Center

Career

• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2015: Mega Basket
• 2015–present: Denver Nuggets
• 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2021, 2022), 4× NBA All-Star (2019–2022), 3× All-NBA First Team (2019, 2021, 2022), All-NBA Second Team (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), 2× Serbian Player of the Year (2018, 2021), ABA League MVP (2015), ABA League Top Prospect (2015)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Serbia, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, U19 World Championship, : 2013 Czech Republic: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Serbia
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• U19 World Championship
• : 2013 Czech Republic: Team

Nikola Jokić was born on February 19, 1995, in Sombor, Serbia. He played for Mega Basket in 2012 and then moved to the Denver Nuggets in 2015. Nikola is a center who averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game last season with the Nuggets.

He has been selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge this year as part of All-Star Weekend festivities. Nikola Jokić is a Serbian professional basketball player who has been playing in the NBA since 2016. 

He was drafted 6th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2016 and won two championships with them during his first three seasons there.

In 2019, he was named MVP of the playoffs after leading his team to an improbable comeback against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also made 3 consecutive All-Star appearances from 2019-2021 and has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the league regardless of position. 

Nikola Jokić is married to Anka Mladenovic, a tennis player, and they have one child together - a daughter Milena.

Also Played For: center basketball, eurobasket

2. Carmelo Anthony

Small forward

Career

• 10× NBA All-Star (2007, 2008, 2010–2017)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2010, 2013)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)
• NBA scoring champion (2013)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• NBA Social Justice Champion Award (2021)
• NCAA champion (2003)
• NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2003)
• Consensus second-team All-American (2003)
• USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2003)
• No. 15 retired by Syracuse Orange
• 2× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2006, 2016)
• First-team Parade All-American (2002)
• McDonald's All-American (2002)

Carmelo Anthony is a two-time NBA MVP and six-time all-star. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2003, and has played for them, the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors.

In 2017 he joined the Houston Rockets as a free agent. Anthony is married to LaLa Vasquez and they have one daughter together named Kiara. 

Carmelo's hometown is Baltimore Maryland where he attended Towson Catholic High School before going on to play college basketball at Syracuse University from 2002 until 2003.

Winning an NCAA Championship in 2004 alongside fellow Syracuse alum Dwayne Wade Carmelo Anthony is an American professional basketball player who has played his entire career with the New York Knicks.

He was drafted by Denver Nuggets in 2003 and spent six seasons there before being traded to the Knicks in 2011. In 2017, he signed with Oklahoma City Thunder where he won a championship that year. 

Anthony then moved on to Houston Rockets for two seasons before returning to Oklahoma City for another title run in 2018-19 season. Melo is considered one of the best players in league history and will likely retire as a Hall of Famer when his playing days are over.

3. Alex English

Small forward

Career

• High school: Dreher (Columbia, South Carolina)
• College: South Carolina (1972–1976)
• NBA draft 1976 / Round: 2 / Pick: 23rd overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1976–1992
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 23, 22, 2
• Coaching career: 2002–2013
• 8× NBA All-Star (1982–1989), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1982, 1983, 1986), NBA scoring champion (1983), No. 2 retired by Denver Nuggets, No. 22 retired by South Carolina Gamecocks
• Points: 25,613 (21.5 ppg)
• Rebounds: 6,538 (5.5 rpg)
• Assists: 4,351 (3.6 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Alex English was a talented small forward who played in the NBA for many years. He attended Dreher High School in Columbia, South Carolina and then went on to play college ball at South Carolina.

In 1976, English was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks and spent most of his career with them before retiring in 1992. After retirement, he started coaching and has been doing so since 2002 with various teams around the world including Montevideo Wanderers of Uruguay's Liga Nacional de Básquet (LNB).

Alex English is currently living in Florida where he continues to coach basketball as well as spend time with his family and friends Alex English was an All-Star point guard in the NBA for eight seasons. He averaged 21.5 points per game during his career and retired as the No. 2 scorer in Nuggets history.

English also won three consecutive Second Team All-NBA honors, and he holds a scoring record with 25,613 points in his career.

Also Played For: small forward

4. Dikembe Mutombo

Center

Career

• High school: Institute Boboto (Kinshasa, DR Congo)
• College: Georgetown (1988–1991)
• NBA draft 1991 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 1991–2009
• Position: Center
• Number: 55
• 1991–1996: Denver Nuggets
• 1996–2001: Atlanta Hawks
• 2001–2002: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2002–2003: New Jersey Nets
• 2003–2004: New York Knicks
• 2004–2009: Houston Rockets
• 8× NBA All-Star (1992, 1995–1998, 2000–2002), All-NBA Second Team (2001), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1998, 2002), 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001), 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1997, 1998, 2001), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1995, 1999, 2002), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1992), 2× NBA rebounding leader (2000, 2001), 3× NBA blocks leader (1994–1996), IBM Award (1999), No. 55 retired by Atlanta Hawks, No. 55 retired by Denver Nuggets, Third-team All-American – AP, UPI (1991), First-team All-Big East (1991), Second-team All-Big East (1990), 2× Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1991)
• Points: 11,729 (9.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 12,359 (10.3 rpg)
• Blocks: 3,289 (2.8 bpg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player

Dikembe Mutombo is a 7 foot 2 inch and 260-pound center who was drafted 4th overall in the 1991 NBA draft. He played his entire career with the Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks, retiring after nine seasons in 2009.

Mutombo is widely considered one of the greatest centers to ever play the game, winning five MVP Awards and two Finals MVPs during his time in the NBA. 

In 2006, he was named an honorary citizen of Kinshasa, DR Congo - a city that he helped build from scratch as a player for both Denver Nuggets (1991-1996) and Atlanta Hawks (1996-2001).

After retirement, Mutombo has devoted himself to humanitarian work with numerous charities around the world including Operation Smile which helps children with cleft lip or palates receive surgery abroad free of charge. 

Mutombo was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. He played on six different teams and won three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Dikembe Mutombo is also a humanitarian, working with several charities throughout Africa. In 1999, he was awarded the IBM Award for his contributions to technology and business.

Also Played For: georgetown hoyas, nba defensive

5. Dan Issel

Power forward

Career

• High school: Batavia (Batavia, Illinois)
• College: Kentucky (1967–1970)
• NBA draft 1970 / Round: 8 / Pick: 122nd overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 1970–1985
• Position: Center / Power forward
• Number: 44, 25
• Coaching career: 1992–1994, 1999–2002
• ABA champion (1975), NBA All-Star (1977), 6× ABA All-Star (1971–1976), ABA All-Star Game MVP (1972), All-ABA First Team (1972), 4× All-ABA Second Team (1971, 1973, 1974, 1976), ABA Rookie of the Year (1971), ABA scoring champion (1971), J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1985), ABA All-Time Team, No. 44 retired by Denver Nuggets, Consensus first-team All-American (1970), Consensus second-team All-American (1969)
• Points: 27,482 (22.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 11,133 (9.1 rpg)
• Assists: 2,907 (2.4 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Dan Issel was a standout center and power forward in his playing days. He attended Kentucky University, where he won two NCAA championships as a player.

Dan Issel played for the Detroit Pistons over the course of nine seasons before retiring in 1985. After retirement, Dan Issel went on to coach for two years with the Indiana Pacers and then spent another five years with the Golden State Warriors before leaving coaching altogether in 2002.

Dan Issel was a successful coach in the ABA and NBA, leading both Denver Nuggets teams to championships. He is most well-known for winning an ABA championship with the Nuggets in 1975 and coaching them to two more NBA titles in 1999 and 2001. 

Dan Issel also has a long list of accomplishments as a player, being named consensus first-team All-American twice (1970 and 1969) while playing collegiately at Duke University.

Also Played For: kentucky basketball, slam magazine

6. Jamal Murray

Point guard

Career

• High school: Grand River (Kitchener, Ontario)
• College: Kentucky (2015–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–present: Denver Nuggets
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2017), Third-team All-American – AP (2016), First-team All-SEC (2016), SEC All-Freshman Team (2016), BioSteel All-Canadian MVP (2015)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Canada, Pan American Games, : 2015 Toronto: National team, FIBA Americas U16 Championship, : 2013 Maldonado: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Canada
• Pan American Games
• : 2015 Toronto: National team
• FIBA Americas U16 Championship
• : 2013 Maldonado: National team

Jamal Murray was born on February 23, 1997 in Kitchener, Ontario. He played high school basketball at Grand River and then college basketball at Kentucky.

In the 2016 NBA draft, he was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the seventh overall pick. Since entering the league in 2016, Jamal Murray has been a key player for the Nuggets and is currently their starting point guard or shooting guard.

He has averaged 18 points per game over his career thus far and is considered one of the most promising young players in the NBA today Murray was a consensus first-team All-American as a freshman at Kentucky in 2016. 

He helped Canada win the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in 2013, and was also named MVP of that tournament.

Murray then transferred to Louisville for his sophomore season, where he averaged 19 points per game en route to being named Third Team All-American by AP and First Team All-SEC by SEC Network Television .

In 2017, Murray went on to be an NBA All Rookie Second Team selection with averages of 17 points and 3 rebounds per game while shooting 47% from the field overall (including 38% from three).

His playing style is described as "electric" by ESPN's Royce Young , who added that "Murray has all the tools you look for in an elite player: size, strength and athleticism."  

 Murray led the Cardinals to their first ever Final Four appearance before falling short against Gonzaga in what many called one of the greatest NCAA Tournament games ever played.

Also Played For: point guard, nba best young players

7. David Thompson

Career

• High school: Crest (Shelby, North Carolina)
• College: NC State (1972–1975)
• NBA draft 1975 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 1975–1984
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 33, 44
• 1975–1982: Denver Nuggets
• 1982–1984: Seattle SuperSonics
• 4× NBA All-Star (1977–1979, 1983), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1979), 2× All-NBA First Team (1977, 1978), ABA All-Star (1976), ABA All-Star Game MVP (1976), All-ABA Second Team (1976), ABA Rookie of the Year (1976), ABA All-Rookie First Team (1976), ABA All-Time Team, No. 33 retired by Denver Nuggets, NCAA champion (1974), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1974), National college player of the year (1975), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1973–1975), 3× ACC Player of the Year (1973–1975), 3× First-team All-ACC (1973–1975), No. 44 retired by NC State Wolfpack
• Points: 13,422 (22.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,446 (4.1 rpg)
• Assists: 1,939 (3.3 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

David Thompson was selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1975 NBA draft. He played for the Denver Nuggets from 1975 to 1982 and then for the Seattle SuperSonics from 1982 to 1984.

Thompson is best known for his time with the Nuggets, where he helped lead them to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances (1980 and 1981). In 1984, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and retired shortly afterwards.

David Thompson was a dominant player in both the ABA and NBA. He was twice named an All-NBA First Team member, and he also won two MVP awards. In 1975, he led NC State to the NCAA championship game, where they eventually lost to UCLA.

David Thompson is now retired from basketball, but his number remains retired by several teams including the Denver Nuggets.

Also Played For: atlantic coast conference, shooting guard

8. Marcus Camby

Center

Career

• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2007)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2007, 2008)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2006)
• 4× NBA blocks leader (1998, 2006–2008)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)
• National college player of the year (1996)
• Consensus first-team All-American (1996)
• Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (1996)
• No. 21 retired by UMass Minutemen
• Fourth-team Parade All-American (1993)

Marcus Camby is a 48-year-old American center who spent 19 seasons in the NBA. He was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the second overall pick in 1996 and played for them until 2013.

Marcus is best known for his defensive abilities, as he was named to six All-Star teams and won three Defensive Player of The Year Awards during his career. 

In 2013, he retired from professional basketball after playing for Houston Rockets that season but has since returned to play amateur basketball in Europe Camby was a dominant player in the NBA for many years, and he is still considered one of the best center defenders ever.

Camby was selected to several All-Star teams and won multiple awards during his career. He played with some of the biggest names in basketball, including Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. 

Camby will be remembered most fondly by Knicks fans for his time spent with them between 2008 and 2010.

9. Antonio McDyess

Power forward

Career

• High school: Quitman (Quitman, Mississippi)
• College: Alabama (1993–1995)
• NBA draft 1995 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
• Playing career: 1995–2011
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 24, 34, 14
• 1995–1997: Denver Nuggets
• 1997–1998: Phoenix Suns
• 1999–2002: Denver Nuggets
• 2002–2004: New York Knicks
• 2004: Phoenix Suns
• 2004–2009: Detroit Pistons
• 2009–2011: San Antonio Spurs
• NBA All-Star (2001), All-NBA Third Team (1999), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1996), Second-team Parade All-American (1993)
• Points: 12,227 (12.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 7,638 (7.5 rpg)
• Blocks: 1,102 (1.1 bpg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Olympic Games, : 2000 Sydney: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2000 Sydney: Team competition

Antonio McDyess was a power forward who played in the NBA for 10 seasons. He was drafted by the Clippers and spent three seasons with them before moving on to other teams.

His best years were with the Spurs, where he won two championships and averaged 16 points per game. After leaving the Spurs, he spent time with Memphis and Atlanta before retiring in 2011.

McDyess is a professional basketball player who has played for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs. He was an All-Star in 2001 and also made Second Team Parade All-American that year.

McDyess is known for his rebounding ability as he averaged 7.5 rebounds per game throughout his career. 

He was also one of the most blocks leaders in NBA history with 1.1 blocks per game registered over the course of 9 seasons. We can expect to see more from Antonio McDyess in retirement as he continues to work on his post-basketball career goals.

10. Chauncey Billups

Point guard

Career

• High school: George Washington, (Denver, Colorado)
• College: Colorado (1995–1997)
• NBA draft 1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 1997–2014
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 4, 3, 1, 7
• Coaching career: 2020–present
• NBA champion (2004), NBA Finals MVP (2004), 5× NBA All-Star (2006–2010), All-NBA Second Team (2006), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2009), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2006), NBA Sportsmanship Award (2009), NBA Teammate of the Year (2013), No. 1 retired by Detroit Pistons, Consensus second-team All-American (1997), First-team All-Big 12 (1997), No. 4 retired by Colorado Buffaloes, McDonald's All-American (1995), Second-team Parade All-American (1995), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1994), 3× Mr. Colorado Basketball (1993–1995)
• Points: 15,802 (15.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,992 (2.9 rpg)
• Assists: 5,636 (5.4 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2007 Las Vegas: Team Competition, FIBA World Championship, : 2010 Turkey: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2007 Las Vegas: Team Competition
• FIBA World Championship
• : 2010 Turkey: Team competition

Chauncey Billups was a three-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion point guard who played for the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers over 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

In his first season with the Denver Nuggets in 1997–98, he helped lead them to their only playoff appearance that season. He then joined the Boston Celtics in 2000 where he won his first championship ring as part of the team's 'Big Three' alongside Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

After leaving Boston in 2004, Billups signed with Detroit where he spent six years before joining LA Clippers on a free-agent deal at the end of the 2011–12 campaign. He retired from playing following the 2014 season with Portland Trail Blazers. 

As head coach of Portland Trail Blazers from 2019 until 2021, Billups led them to playoff berth each year but they were unsuccessful in winning any games during this period including being eliminated by eventual champions. 

Golden State Warriors 4–1 in the 2020 Playoffs Semifinals Series which ended his coaching career prematurely.

Also Played For: minnesota timberwolves, big 3

11. Michael Porter Jr.

Small forward

Career

• High school: , Father Tolton, (Columbia, Missouri), Nathan Hale, (Seattle, Washington)
• College: Missouri (2017–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–present: Denver Nuggets
• National high school player of the year (2017), McDonald's All-American MVP (2017), Washington Mr. Basketball (2017)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2016 Chile: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2016 Chile: National team

Porter Jr. was born in 1998 and is 24 years old as of 2019. Porter Jr. attended Missouri from 2017 to 2018, where he averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game during his career there.

In the 2018 NBA draft, Porter Jr was selected 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets and has since played for them in both the preseason and regular season games. 

As a small forward with good shooting ability (41% from three-point range), Porter Jr.'s main role on the court at this stage is off ball movement and creating space for other players on offense or defense .

Which he does effectively due to his athleticism, length, instincts, and feel for the game combined with polished footwork skills under pressure.

Although he can also score inside when given an opportunity; thus far in his young career (he's only just turned 24) Porter Jr has shown that he possesses considerable potential both offensively and defensively if used correctly by coaches/team management alike,

12. Fat Lever

Career

• High school: Pueblo (Tucson, Arizona)
• College: Arizona State (1978–1982)
• NBA draft 1982 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 1982–1994
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 12, 21
• 1982–1984: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1984–1990: Denver Nuggets
• 1990–1994: Dallas Mavericks
• 2× NBA All-Star (1988, 1990), All-NBA Second Team (1987), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1988), No. 12 retired by Denver Nuggets, 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (1981, 1982), No. 12 jersey retired by Arizona State Sun Devils
• Points: 10,433 (13.9 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,523 (6.0 rpg)
• Assists: 4,696 (6.2 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 1979 Salvador: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA U19 World Championship
• : 1979 Salvador: National team

Lever was a dominant point guard in the NBA during the early 1980s. He helped lead the Portland Trail Blazers to two consecutive championships in 1982 and 1983.

Lever also played for the Denver Nuggets, who reached the playoffs three times with him on their roster. In 1994, Lever retired from professional basketball after playing 16 seasons in the league.

Lever was a 7'1" center who played 14 seasons in the NBA, most notably for the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 10.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game over his career, making two All-Star appearances and one All-NBA Second Team selection.

Lever is best known for his playing time with the Denver Nuggets, where he retired as a member of their team after the 2003–04 season. In total, Lever scored 13,922 points - third on the Nuggets all-time scoring list - while averaging 6.3 boards per contest across his entire career.

13. Allen Iverson

Point guard

Career

• High school: Bethel (Hampton, Virginia)
• College: Georgetown (1994–1996)
• NBA draft 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 1996–2011
• Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
• Number: 3, 1
• 1996–2006: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2006–2008: Denver Nuggets
• 2008–2009: Detroit Pistons
• 2009: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2009–2010: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2010–2011: Beşiktaş J.K.
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2001), 11× NBA All-Star (2000–2010), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005), 3× All-NBA First Team (1999, 2001, 2005), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2002, 2003), All-NBA Third Team (2006), NBA Rookie of the Year (1997), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997), 4× NBA scoring champion (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005), 3× NBA steals leader (2001–2003), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 3 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, Consensus first-team All-American (1996), First-team All-Big East (1996), Second-team All-Big East (1995), 2× Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1996), Big East Rookie of the Year (1995), First-team Parade All-American (1993)
• Points: 24,368 (26.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,394 (3.7 rpg)
• Assists: 5,624 (6.2 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2004 Athens: United States, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2003 San Juan: United States, Summer Universiade, : 1995 Fukuoka: United States
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2004 Athens: United States
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2003 San Juan: United States
• Summer Universiade
• : 1995 Fukuoka: United States

Allen Iverson was born in Hampton, Virginia on June 7, 1975. He attended high school at Bethel (Hampton, Virginia) and played for the school's basketball team before heading to Georgetown.

Allen Iverson was drafted with the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996 and spent his entire career there until 2011 when he retired from playing professional basketball. 

Allen Iverson is best known for his time with the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons where he won three straight MVP Awards between 2008-2009 respectively.

Injuries have been cited as a factor in Allen Iverson's retirement but he remains one of the most iconic players in NBA history Allen Iverson is a retired professional basketball player who was most well-known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Throughout his career, AI was nominated for numerous awards and accolades, including NBA Most Valuable Player (2001), 11 All-Star appearances, 2 MVPs, 3 All-NBA First Team nods, and 1 Third Team selection.

In 2007, he became one of only six players in NBA history to record over 30,000 points, 10,000 assists, and 50000 rebounds in their career - an accomplishment he achieved during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Also Played For: nba 75th anniversary team, western conference

14. Zeke Nnaji

Career

• High school: , Lakeville North, (Lakeville, Minnesota), Hopkins, (Minnetonka, Minnesota)
• College: Arizona (2019–2020)
• NBA draft 2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22nd overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2020–present
• 2020–present: Denver Nuggets
• First-team All-Pac-12 (2020), Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2020), Pac-12 All-Freshman team (2020)

Zeke Nnaji is a power forward for the Denver Nuggets. He was born on January 9, 2001 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended high school at Lakeville North in Lakeville, Minnesota.

Zeke played college basketball for Hopkins before entering the NBA draft in 2018. In his rookie season with the Nuggets, he averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game while playing nearly 31 minutes per contest.

Zeke has an incredibly bright future ahead of him as he continues to develop his skills as a professional basketball player Nnaji is a 2020 draft prospect who played for Arizona in college. He averaged 12 points, four rebounds and two assists per game during his time at Arizona.

Nnaji was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the 1st round of the 2020 NBA Draft and will begin playing professional basketball with them next season. 

Zeke has been praised for his athleticism, shooting ability and defensive instincts on both ends of the floor - making him an intriguing prospect to watch as he develops over the coming years.

Also Played For: arizona wildcats men's basketball

15. Bobby Jones

Power forward

Career

• High school: South Mecklenburg, (Charlotte, North Carolina)
• College: North Carolina (1971–1974)
• NBA draft 1974 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 1974–1986
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 24
• 1974–1978: Denver Nuggets
• 1978–1986: Philadelphia 76ers
• NBA champion (1983), 4× NBA All-Star (1977, 1978, 1981, 1982), 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1977–1984), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1985), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1983), ABA All-Star (1976), All-ABA Second Team (1976), 2× ABA All-Defensive First Team (1975, 1976), ABA All-Rookie First Team (1975), No. 24 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, Consensus second-team All-American (1974), First-team All-ACC (1974), Second-team All-ACC (1973), Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award (2005)
• Points: 11,391 (12.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,739 (6.1 rpg)
• Assists: 2,522 (2.7 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1972 Munich: Team competition
• Men's Basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1972 Munich: Team competition

Bobby Jones was a highly decorated power forward in the NBA for over two decades. He won 5 championships with three different teams, and is considered one of the greatest players in league history.

Jones was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina and attended South Mecklenburg High School where he starred on the basketball team. After graduating from high school, Jones went to play college ball at North Carolina but failed to make an impact as a player there, instead focusing on his professional career.

The Houston Rockets drafted Jones fifth overall in 1974 and he played for them until 1986 when he retired due to injuries sustained during the playoffs that year against Boston Celtics (his former teammate Larry Bird also retired after this playoff series). 

In 1978, Jones joined the Philadelphia 76ers who later traded him to Atlanta Hawks before finally retiring after playing his final game with Milwaukee Bucks in 1986 aged 36 years old.

Also Played For: unc basketball, north carolina basketball

16. Will Barton

Small forward

Career

• High school: Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire)
• College: Memphis (2010–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2015: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2012–2013: →Idaho Stampede
• 2015–2022: Denver Nuggets
• 2022–present: Washington Wizards
• Conference USA Player of the Year (2012), First-team All-C-USA (2012), Third-team All-C-USA (2011), C-USA All-Freshman Team (2011)

Will Barton is a versatile shooting guard and small forward who was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2012. He spent two seasons at Memphis before joining the Portland Trail Blazers for one season in 2016–17.

In 2017, he re-joined Washington and has since been a key player on their roster. Will Barton is known for his ability to score from all over the court, including threes and free throws. 

He has also been praised for his leadership qualities on and off the court Barton has had a successful playing career in the NBA, highlighted by being named Conference USA Player of the Year in 2012.

He began his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, before spending two seasons with the Idaho Stampede. In 2015, he joined Denver Nuggets and played there until 2018 when he was traded to Washington Wizards. 

Barton currently plays for Washington Wizards and is averaging 14 points per game this season.

Also Played For: memphis tigers men's basketball

17. Byron Beck

Career

• High school: Kittitas (Kittitas, Washington)
• College: , Columbia Basin (1963–1965), Denver (1965–1967)
• NBA draft 1967 / Round: 2 / Pick: 15th overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 1967–1977
• Position: Forward / Center
• Number: 40
• 1967–1977: Denver Rockets / Nuggets
• 2× ABA All-Star (1969, 1976), No. 40 retired by Denver Nuggets
• Points: 8,603 (11.5 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,261 (7.0 rpg)
• Assists: 978 (1.3 apg)

Byron Beck was a basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls. He attended high school in Kittitas, Washington and then went on to play college ball at Columbia Basin.

After playing two seasons with the Bulls, he retired from professional basketball in 1967. Byron Beck later became a coach and has worked extensively with youth teams across North America over the years.

Beck was a forward/center who played in the ABA and NBA. Beck was twice named to the All-Star team in the ABA, and his #40 has been retired by the Denver Nuggets. Beck's best season came in 1976 when he averaged 14 points per game and 7 rebounds per game.

After playing for three teams in the NBA, Beck retired at age 34 after averaging 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist per game over nine seasons.

18. Aaron Gordon

Power forward

Career

• High school: Archbishop Mitty, (San Jose, California)
• College: Arizona (2013–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Orlando Magic
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2021: Orlando Magic
• 2021–present: Denver Nuggets
• Third-team All-American – SN (2014), First-team All-Pac-12 (2014), Pac-12 Freshman Player of the Year (2014), McDonald's All-American Game MVP (2013), First-team Parade All-American (2013), 2× California Mr. Basketball (2012, 2013), USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2013), FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2013)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA World U19 Cup, : 2013 Czech Republic: U.S. National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA World U19 Cup
• : 2013 Czech Republic: U.S. National team

Gordon was drafted 4th overall by the Orlando Magic in 2014. Gordon played college ball at Arizona, where he averaged 18 points and 7 rebounds per game as a sophomore and junior.

In his rookie season with the Magic, Gordon averaged 14 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. He improved on both of those averages in his second season (17 points, 6 rebounds), but missed significant time due to an injury in 2017-18 (ankle).

After averaging 17 points and seven boards again in 2018-19, Gordon signed a five-year $127 million contract extension with the Nuggets on October 25th, 2019 Gordon was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school and became one of the most coveted prospects in the NBA.

Gordon had an up-and-down rookie season with the Orlando Magic but found success as a member of Orlando's bench unit. In his second year, Gordon blossomed into one of the best young forwards in the league and helped lead Orlando to their first playoff appearance since 1996.

The Nuggets acquired Gordon during the 2017 offseason and he has wasted no time establishing himself as Denver's number-one option on offense. 

He is averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists per game this season while shooting 50% from three-point range en route to earning All-Star honors for the third consecutive year.

19. Nenê

Power forward

Career

• NBA draft 2002 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
• Selected by the New York Knicks
• Playing career: 1999–2020
• Position: Center / Power forward
• Number: 31, 42
• 1999–2002: Vasco da Gama
• 2002–2012: Denver Nuggets
• 2012–2016: Washington Wizards
• 2016–2020: Houston Rockets
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003)
• Points: 10,909 (11.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,828 (6.0 rpg)
• Assists: 1,719 (1.8 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Brazil, FIBA AmeriCup, : 2001 Neuquén: , Goodwill Games, : 2001 Brisbane:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Brazil
• FIBA AmeriCup
• : 2001 Neuquén:
• Goodwill Games
• : 2001 Brisbane:

Nenê is a Brazilian center and power forward who has played in the NBA for 15 seasons. Nenê was drafted by the Knicks with the 7th overall pick in 2002 and spent four years with them before being traded to Denver.

He won two championships (2012, 2014) with Washington before moving to Houston in 2016. In 2020, he retired from basketball after playing his final season with the Rockets. 

Nenê is considered one of the best players of his generation and among the all-time greats of European basketball history due to his impressive stats and championship titles across multiple leagues including Vasco da Gama.

Denver Nuggets Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets respectively Nenê is a tenacious defender and excellent rebounder.

Nenê was an all-rookie first team selection in 2003, averaging 11 points and 5 rebounds per game that year. He has played for Brazil at the FIBA AmeriCup, the Goodwill Games, and the Olympics (2004). 

In his rookie season in 2001-2002 with Neuquén of Argentina, he helped lead them to reach the Argentine League finals where they were narrowly defeated by River Plate. 

After playing two seasons in Italy with Cefalù Basket before joining Toronto Raptors in 2008 as part of a trade that sent Marcus Camby to Memphis Grizzlies. 

Nenê averaged 9 points and 6 rebounds per game during his tenure there before being traded again on draft day 2011 to Minnesota Timberwolves for Darko Milicic and cash considerations.

Nene spent four seasons with Denver Nuggets from 2012-2015 helping them make it to 2 straight NBA Finals but could not help them win their fourth championship against.

Golden State Warriors despite putting up decent stats averaging 10 points 7 assists over those years whilst shooting 49% from three-point land. He then opted out of his contract with Denver midseason 2017 free agent signing with Lakers.

20. J. R. Smith

Small forward

Career

• 2× NBA champion (2016, 2020)
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2013)
• CBA scoring champion (2012)
• CBA All-Star (2012)
• Second-team Parade All-American (2004)
• McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (2004)

J. R. Smith joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020 and has been a key part of their championship-winning team ever since. He is known for his shooting skills, and has averaged over 20 points per game throughout his career.

J.R.'s family was originally from New Jersey, where he attended high school at Lakewood before going to St Benedict's Prep in Newark afterwards. 

After spending four seasons with the Hornets, Smith signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2014 and helped them win two championships during that time period as well 5th (2017) 6th (2018).

J. R. Smith was one of the most prolific scorers in Cleveland Cavaliers history and is still a key contributor off the bench. He has won championships with both New Orleans Hornets (2004) and Denver Nuggets (2006). 

In 2012, he led Zhejiang Golden Bulls to Chinese Basketball Association title before signing with Knicks the following year.

J.R.'s scoring average dipped during his time in New York but he remains an important part of their rotation today; averaging 10 points per game since joining them in 2015-16 season as a free agent from Cavs after being waived by Cleveland midway through 2019-20.

The campaign due to trade demands from Boston Celtics ownership group headed up by Danny Ainge Smith scored 41 points on 14-of-25 shooting while filling in for Kyrie Irving.

Who missed Game 5 against Milwaukee Bucks due to injury which propelled Cavaliers into Eastern Conference Finals where they eventually lost 4 games to eventual NBA Champion Boston Celtics 6The 33 year old guard also averaged 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block over.

That span including playoffs 7JR Smith's play will be crucial if Cavs want any chance at dethroning Warriors as Western Conference Champions.

21. Kenyon Martin

Power forward

Career

• High school: Bryan Adams (Dallas, Texas)
• College: Cincinnati (1996–2000)
• NBA draft 2000 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 2000–2015
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 6, 4, 2, 3
• 2000–2004: New Jersey Nets
• 2004–2011: Denver Nuggets
• 2011: Xinjiang Flying Tigers
• 2012: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2013–2014: New York Knicks
• 2015: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA All-Star (2004), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2001), National college player of the year (2000), Consensus first-team All-American (2000), NABC Defensive Player of the Year (2000), Conference USA Player of the Year (2000), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (1999, 2000), No. 4 retired by Cincinnati Bearcats
• Points: 9,325 (12.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,159 (6.8 rpg)
• Assists: 1,439 (1.9 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2003 San Juan: National team, Goodwill Games, : 2001 Brisbane: National team, Summer Universiade, : 1999 Palma: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2003 San Juan: National team
• Goodwill Games
• : 2001 Brisbane: National team
• Summer Universiade
• : 1999 Palma: National team

Kenyon Martin was one of the most sought-after high school basketball players in America. He attended Cincinnati and then went on to be drafted first overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2000 NBA draft.

Martin enjoyed a successful career with the Nuggets, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game over his 14-year playing career. In April 2015, he announced that he would be retiring at the end of that season due to numerous injuries sustained during play.

Martin is now widely considered one of the greatest power forwards ever to play in the NBA and has been awarded several accolades including six All-Star appearances and three MVP awards Kenyon Martin is a retired American professional basketball player who played his entire career with the Toronto Raptors.

He was drafted by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 1999 NBA draft, and he went on to play for five other teams before joining Toronto in 2006. 

In 9 seasons with Toronto, Martin averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while winning two All-Star games and an Olympic gold medal as part of Team USA's 2004 squad.

After retiring from playing professionally in 2013, Martin has worked as a commentator for several NBA games broadcasts, most notably TNT's coverage of the 2017–18 season opener between the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks which featured his son Jaren scoring 16 points off the bench.

22. Ty Lawson

Point guard

Career

• High school: , Bishop McNamara, (Forestville, Maryland), Oak Hill Academy, (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia)
• College: North Carolina (2006–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18th overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2009–present
• 2009–2015: Denver Nuggets
• 2015–2016: Houston Rockets
• 2016: Indiana Pacers
• 2016–2017: Sacramento Kings
• 2017–2019: Washington Wizards
• NCAA champion (2009), Consensus second-team All-American (2009), Bob Cousy Award (2009), ACC Player of the Year (2009), First-team All-ACC (2009), ACC All-Freshman team (2007), No. 5 honored by North Carolina Tar Heels, McDonald's All-American (2006), First-team Parade All-American (2006)

Lawson was drafted 18th overall by the Washington Wizards in 2009. Lawson played college ball at North Carolina where he averaged 20.4 points, 5.9 assists and 2 steals per game during his junior year.

Lawson had a successful rookie season with the Wizards averaging 14 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds per game as a 19-year old rookie sensation on an upstart team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to Boston in seven games (the Celtics would go on to win their fourth championship).

Lawson's second season saw him average 17 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds while leading Washington back to the playoffs but they were once again knocked out in six games by eventual champion Miami Heat.

Who featured Lebron James along with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade - all future Hall of Famers at that point in their careers (Wade would eventually be traded away from Miami for Kevin Love which further disrupted what could have been one of NBA history's most dominant dynasties).

In 2012-2013 Ty averaged 16 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds while playing 39 minutes a night en route to being named an All Star for the first time; however this proved not enough as Washington failed to make another playoff appearance despite signing John Wall early into 2013 off waivers from Oklahoma City Thunder.

Wall went on eclipse Lawson as both player & leader of this team over the next few seasons culminating in two more conference finals appearances (where they lost again) before finally winning.

The Stanley Cup after four long years in 2018 - largely due to John Wall becoming perhaps one of best PGs ever alongside him.

Also Played For: big3

23. Andre Miller

Point guard

Career

• High school: Verbum Dei, (Los Angeles, California)
• College: Utah (1995–1999)
• NBA draft 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 1999–2016
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 24, 7, 22
• Coaching career: 2022–present
• 1999–2002: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2002–2003: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2003–2006: Denver Nuggets
• 2006–2009: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2009–2011: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2011–2014: Denver Nuggets
• 2014–2015: Washington Wizards
• 2015: Sacramento Kings
• 2015–2016: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2016: San Antonio Spurs
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2000), NBA assists leader (2002), Consensus first-team All-American (1999), Third-team All-American – USBWA (1998), WAC Player of the Year (1999), 2× First-team All-WAC (1998, 1999), No. 24 retired by Utah Utes
• Points: 16,278 (12.5 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,795 (3.7 rpg)
• Assists: 8,524 (6.5 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Goodwill Games, : 1998 New York: Team competition, : 2001 Brisbane: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Goodwill Games
• : 1998 New York: Team competition
• : 2001 Brisbane: National team

Andre Miller was a point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1999 to 2016. He led the Cavs in assists three times and was named an All-Star twice. In 2012, he signed with the Washington Wizards and helped them reach the playoffs that year.

Miller retired at the end of the 2016 season after playing for two teams in his final NBA season. Andre Miller is a veteran point guard who has played in the NBA for over 20 years.

He started his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers before playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards.

Andre Miller was one of only two players ever to be named an All-Rookie First Team selection as well as being voted into the Consensus first team All-American list by various organizations (alongside Yao Ming). 

Andre Miller also won WAC Player of the Year honors twice and was selected to both All-NBA Third Teams once during his career. At 38 years old, he retired from professional basketball in 2016 after spending time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs.

Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers, 2009–10 nba season

24. Gary Harris

Career

• High school: Hamilton Southeastern, (Fishers, Indiana)
• College: Michigan State (2012–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2021: Denver Nuggets
• 2021–present: Orlando Magic
• First-team All-Big Ten (2014), Second-team All-Big Ten (2013), Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2014), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2013), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2013), McDonald’s All-American (2012), First-team Parade All-American (2012), Indiana Mr. Basketball (2012)

Gary Harris was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2014 and spent four years with them before signing with the Orlando Magic in 2022. Gary Harris is a shooting guard who averaged 16 points per game during his time at Michigan State, making him an effective scorer both at the college level and in the NBA.

Gary Harris has excellent ball-handling skills which allow him to create shots for himself or else get open off of passes from teammates. His 6'4" frame makes it difficult for defenders to contest his shots, no matter how well they are defended, and this allows him to score easily from anywhere on the floor.

Harris is also known for being a very good defender; he consistently ranks among the best players at guarding multiple positions across all leagues he's played in thus far career-wise.

25. LaPhonso Ellis

Power forward

Career

• High school: Lincoln (East St. Louis, Illinois)
• College: Notre Dame (1988–1992)
• NBA draft 1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 1992–2003
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 20, 3
• 1992–1998: Denver Nuggets
• 1999–2000: Atlanta Hawks
• 2000–2001: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2001–2003: Miami Heat
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993), First-team Parade All-American (1988), McDonald's All-American (1988), Notre Dame Ring of Honor
• Points: 7,410 (11.9 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,032 (6.5 rpg)
• Assists: 981 (1.6 apg)

LaPhonso Ellis was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on May 5th, 1970. LaPhonso played high school ball at Lincoln (East St. Louis), before enrolling at Notre Dame where he graduated with a degree in business administration in 1992.

LaPhonso entered the 1992 NBA Draft and was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the fifth overall pick. He spent six seasons with the team before signing with the Memphis Grizzlies as a free agent in 2003. 

In his ten-year career, LaPhonson averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds per game while playing for Denver, Memphis, and Orlando Magic teams respectively. 

After announcing his retirement from professional basketball following the 2004–05 season, Ellis began working as an analyst for ESPN's coverage of college basketball games.

Now residing in California with his wife and two children，LaP has dedicated himself to philanthropic work 、helping underprivileged youth pursue their dreams through educational programs.

26. Monté Morris

Point guard

Career

• High school: Flint Beecher (Flint, Michigan)
• College: Iowa State (2013–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51st overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–2022: Denver Nuggets
• 2017–2018: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2022–present: Washington Wizards
• First-team All-Big 12 (2017), 2× Second-team All-Big 12 (2015, 2016), First-team Parade All-American (2013), Michigan Mr. Basketball (2013)

Morris was born in Flint, Michigan and starred at Flint Beecher High School. He played college basketball for Iowa State before being drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2017.

Morris is a point guard with excellent court vision and passing skills. He has appeared in 73 NBA games so far, averaging 9.5 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds per game Monté Morris is a versatile player who can play both the point and shooting guard positions.

He was named to the First-team All-Big 12 in 2017, after averaging 20.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal per game that season. 

Morris also won two Second-team All-Big 12 Awards in 2015 and 2016, while playing for Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA D-League where he averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game over those seasons as well.

In 2018 Monté Morris joined Washington Wizards on a three year $27 million contract which makes him one of most highly paid players in franchise history (alongside John Wall). 

Morris has represented his country at various international competitions including FIBA Americas Championship (2015), World Cup Qualifiers (2017) as well as Olympic Games Qualifiers (2016).

27. Paul Millsap

Power forward

Career

• High school: Grambling (Grambling, Louisiana)
• College: Louisiana Tech (2003–2006)
• NBA draft 2006 / Round: 2 / Pick: 47th overall
• Selected by the Utah Jazz
• Playing career: 2006–present
• 2006–2013: Utah Jazz
• 2013–2017: Atlanta Hawks
• 2017–2021: Denver Nuggets
• 2021–2022: Brooklyn Nets
• 2022: Philadelphia 76ers
• 4× NBA All-Star (2014–2017), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2016), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2007), 2× First-team All-WAC (2005, 2006), 3× NCAA rebounding leader (2004–2006), Fourth-team Parade All-American (2003), Louisiana Mr. Basketball (2003)

Paul Millsap is a 2017–2018 All-Star and 2-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2006 and has played for them since then, except for one season where he spent time with the Atlanta Hawks.

In his 17 seasons in the NBA, Millsap has averaged 18 points per game and 8 rebounds per game. His contract with the Denver Nuggets expires at the end of 2020, so it will be interesting to see what he does next year. Millsap is a versatile player who can play both forward positions.

Millsap was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2006 and has played for them since then. He is a three-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Second Team selection, as well as being WAC Player of the Year twice. 

In 2013, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks and has been there ever since - making him one of only six players to have stayed with one team throughout their NBA career so far.

Millsap will miss part of the season after undergoing surgery on his left thumb but is expected to make a full recovery in time for next year's campaign hopefully. 

Paul loves playing against fellow countryman Damian Lillard, stating that they are "two gunslingers going at it." 

When not basketballing or shooting hoops himself, you might find Millsap enjoying spending quality time with his wife (and former Miss America) Karli & their daughters Zuri & Riela or hitting up The Hangover Part III premiere party (lol).

28. Kiki VanDeWeghe

Career

• High school: Palisades (Los Angeles, California)
• College: UCLA (1976–1980)
• NBA draft 1980 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
• Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
• Playing career: 1980–1993
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 55
• 2× NBA All-Star (1983, 1984), First-team All-Pac-10 (1980), Second-team All-Pac-10 (1979), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1976)
• Points: 15,980 (19.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,785 (3.4 rpg)
• Assists: 1,668 (2.1 apg)

Kiki VanDeWeghe was born on August 1, 1958 in Wiesbaden, West Germany. He attended high school at Palisades (Los Angeles, California) and then went to UCLA where he played basketball for four years.

In 1980, Kiki was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 11th overall pick in the NBA draft and he spent eight seasons with them before moving onto other teams. 

Kiki is now a television commentator and analyst for both American and international basketball games as well as a motivational speaker to young athletes across America.

He has five children - three sons and two daughters - all of whom play or have played professional sports themselves including his son Trey who currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

Kiki is also an avid golfer having won numerous tournaments over his career including The Greenbrier Classic twice which makes him one of only six players ever to achieve this feat.

29. Nah'Shon Hyland

Point guard

Career

• High school: St. Georges Tech, (Middletown, Delaware)
• College: VCU (2019–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: Denver Nuggets
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2022), Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (2021), First-team All-Atlantic 10 (2021), Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team (2020)

Nah'Shon Hyland is a young point guard who was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. He played two seasons at VCU, where he averaged 18 points and six assists per game as a junior.

Hyland has good athleticism for his size, which should allow him to be an effective player in the NBA. 

His biggest challenge will likely be finding minutes on an already stacked Nuggets team, but with hard work and dedication he could become a valuable member of the squad over time Nah'Shon Hyland is a 2021 NBA Draft prospect who played college basketball at Xavier.

He was named First-team All-Atlantic 10 in both 2020 and 2021, and was also an Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 2021. In 2021, he signed with the Denver Nuggets as a free agent, appearing in all 82 games for them that season - his first full professional year - averaging 13 points per game off the bench. 

He has continued to play significant minutes for the Nuggets ever since, becoming a regular starter during the latter half of their playoff campaigns (including their run to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances).

Aside from his on court contributions, Nah'Shon Hyland is also respected for his work ethic and maturity; these qualities have seen him receive multiple awards and accolades throughout his career so far.

Also Played For: nba summer league

30. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Shooting guard

Career

• High school: Greenville (Greenville, Georgia)
• College: Georgia (2011–2013)
• NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2013–present
• 2013–2017: Detroit Pistons
• 2017–2021: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2021–2022: Washington Wizards
• 2022–present: Denver Nuggets
• NBA champion (2020), SEC Player of the Year (2013), First-team All-SEC (2013), SEC All-Freshman Team (2012), McDonald's All-American (2011)

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a 29-year-old shooting guard for the Denver Nuggets. He was drafted 8th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2013 and has since played for them, the Memphis Grizzlies, and now the Washington Wizards.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is known for his high scoring ability from behind the arc and has averaged 19.5 points per game across all of his NBA career so far. 

In addition to being a great shooter, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also possesses excellent ball handling skills which allows him to create shots off of turnovers or in transition setting up teammates.

His hard work on both ends of the court has helped him cement himself as one of the most consistent players in league history and he will continue to be an important part of any team that he plays for next season.

Also Played For: georgia bulldogs men's basketball, los angeles lakers

31. Jeff Green

Power forward

Career

• High school: Northwestern (Hyattsville, Maryland)
• College: Georgetown (2004–2007)
• NBA draft 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2007–present
• 2007–2011: Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2011,, 2012–2015: Boston Celtics
• 2015–2016: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2016: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2016–2017: Orlando Magic
• 2017–2018: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2018–2019: Washington Wizards
• 2019: Utah Jazz
• 2020: Houston Rockets
• 2020–2021: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–present: Denver Nuggets
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008), Second-team All-American – USBWA (2007), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2007), Big East Player of the Year (2007), First-team All-Big East (2007), Second-team All-Big East (2006), Big East tournament MVP (2007), Big East Rookie of the Year (2005)

Jeff Green was drafted 5th overall in the 2007 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. He has played for Seattle SuperSonics, Oklahoma City Thunder and Orlando Magic over the course of his career.

In 2017, he joined Denver Nuggets and is currently playing there. Jeff Green stands at 6'8" tall with a weight of 235 pounds (107 kg). 

His skills as both a power forward and center have seen him play in multiple leagues around the world including the NBA where he currently plays for Denver Nuggets Green was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft.

Green had a successful rookie campaign, averaging 8.5 points and 4 rebounds per game en route to being named to the All-Rookie First Team. In 2008, Green improved his averages to 10 points and 5 rebounds per game while helping lead Boston to an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

After four seasons with Boston, he signed with Memphis as part of a three-team trade that sent Rudy Gay to Toronto and Courtney Lee to Memphis; however, he only played one season for them before signing with Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent in 2016.

With LA Clippers, Green averaged 17 points on 54% shooting from 3-point range over two seasons before being traded back east once again - this time joining Orlando Magic - in 2017 where he continued his strong play leading them into playoff contention both years.

However, they were unable or unwilling (due mainly to salary cap constraints)to keep him around after 2018 which led him onto the Cleveland Cavaliers following their acquisition of Anthony Bennett from Utah Jazz at midseason 2019.

Also Played For: seattle supersonics

32. Kenneth Faried

Power forward

Career

• High school: Technology (Newark, New Jersey)
• College: Morehead State (2007–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22nd overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2018: Denver Nuggets
• 2018–2019: Brooklyn Nets
• 2019: Houston Rockets
• 2019: Zhejiang Lions
• 2021: Leones de Ponce
• 2021: CSKA Moscow
• 2021–2022: Grand Rapids Gold
• 2022: Austin Spurs
• 2022–present: Capitanes de Ciudad de México
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), Consensus second-team All-American (2011), NABC Defensive Player of the Year (2011), 2× OVC Player of the Year (2010, 2011), 3× OVC Defensive Player of the Year (2009–2011), 3× First-team All-OVC (2009–2011), NCAA rebounding leader (2011)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team

Kenneth Faried is a power forward for the Denver Nuggets and was drafted in the 2011 NBA draft. He played college basketball at Morehead State before being drafted by the Nuggets.

Faried has had success with Denver, winning an NBA championship in 2017. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2018 and led the league in double-doubles that season with 382 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Kenneth Faried is married to his wife Kiari Kendrell Sanders and they have two children together After two years at Colorado, Faried was drafted in the first round (24th overall) of the 2012 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets.

After a strong rookie campaign with Denver, where he averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game, Faried signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent in July 2013. 

In his 2 seasons with Brooklyn, Faried has been one of their most consistent players, averaging 10 points and 8 rebounds per game while shooting 47% from the floor over that time span.

With his contract set to expire at season's end, there is speculation that Kenneth Faried could opt out of his deal with Brooklyn and sign elsewhere in 2019-2021 Free Agency period. 

Whether or not this happens remains to be seen but for now Kenneth Faried is an important part of both Zhejiang Lions (China) and Leones de Ponce (Puerto Rico).

Also Played For: fiba basketball world cup

33. Ralph Simpson

Career

• High school: , Southeastern (Detroit, Michigan), Pershing (Detroit, Michigan)
• College: Michigan State (1969–1970)
• NBA draft 1972 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 1970–1979
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 44, 10, 32,
• 5× ABA All-Star (1972–1976), All-ABA First Team (1976), 2× All-ABA Second Team (1972, 1973), Third-team All-American – NABC (1970)
• Points: 11,785 (16.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,616 (3.7 rpg)
• Assists: 2,357 (3.3 apg)

Ralph Simpson was a shooting guard and small forward who played for the Chicago Bulls from 1970 to 1979. He averaged 14 points per game during his career, making him one of the team's most important players.

Simpson also had a prolific 3-point shooting ability, earning him the nickname "Mr. Three-Pointers." After playing in both the ABA and NBA, he retired from professional basketball in 1979. Ralph Simpson is now 73 years old and lives in Detroit with his wife Jackie and their two children.

Ralph Simpson was a standout player in the ABA and NBA, playing for six different teams over 19 seasons. He was an All-Star in five of those seasons and won two Second Team All-ABA honors. Simpson also played one season with the Philadelphia 76ers before coaching Metro State to NABC Tournament championship in 1985.

After retiring from basketball, Simpson became a successful businessman and philanthropist.

Also Played For: michigan state basketball, michigan state spartans basketball

34. Danilo Gallinari

Small forward

Career

• NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the New York Knicks
• Playing career: 2004–present
• 2004–2005: Casalpusterlengo
• 2005–2006: Nuova Pavia
• 2006–2008: Olimpia Milano
• 2008–2011: New York Knicks
• 2011: Olimpia Milano
• 2011–2017: Denver Nuggets
• 2017–2019: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2019–2020: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2020–2022: Atlanta Hawks
• 2022–present: Boston Celtics
• Italian League MVP (2008), 2× Italian League Best Player U-22 (2007, 2008), EuroLeague Rising Star (2008)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing Italy, FIBA Europe U20 Championship, : 2007 Italy: , FIBA Europe U18 Championship, : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro: U-18 Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing Italy
• FIBA Europe U20 Championship
• : 2007 Italy:
• FIBA Europe U18 Championship
• : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro: U-18 Team

Danilo Gallinari is a 34-year old power forward who has played in the NBA since 2004. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2008 and spent six seasons with them before moving to Olimpia Milano in 2011.

In total, he has played for Casalpusterlengo (2004–2005), Nuova Pavia (2005–2006), New York Knicks (2008–2011) and Olimpia Milano (2011 onwards). With an average of 20 points per game over his career, Gallinari is one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history.

He won two Italian League championships with Olimpia Milano during his time there and also lifted silverware at the EuroLeague Final Four tournament in 2014 where he led Italy to their first ever title medal at that level. 

Now playing for Denver Nuggets, Danilo will be looking to help them retain their place as one of the top teams in North America this season.

Also Played For: los angeles clippers, nba european

35. Bruce Brown Jr.

Small forward

Career

• High school: , Wakefield, (Wakefield, Massachusetts), Vermont Academy, (Saxtons River, Vermont)
• College: Miami (Florida) (2016–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 2 / Pick: 42nd overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2020: Detroit Pistons
• 2020–2022: Brooklyn Nets
• 2022–present: Denver Nuggets

Brown attended Wakefield High School in Boston, Massachusetts. Brown was a two-time All-State selection and helped lead the Wildcats to their first state championship in school history as a senior in 2017.

Brown played one season at the University of Kansas before transferring to Miami for his final year of eligibility. In his lone season with the Hurricanes, Brown averaged 17 points per game on 45 percent shooting from three-point range and 7 rebounds per contest while leading UM to an ACC regular season title and appearance. 

In the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 round where they fell to eventual champion Villanova Wildcats 73-68 after holding a 19 point lead with just over 12 minutes remaining in regulation time on their home floor.

Following his collegiate career, Brown signed an NBA contract with Denver Nuggets as undrafted free agent and has since made strides towards becoming a key contributor off the bench for them this upcoming 2019/20 campaign – appearing in 21 games (12 starts) so far averaging 6 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assists.

Whilst showing flashes of potential that could see him develop into an all-around threat down the line if he can continue progressing at this rate; making him someone you should keep your eye out for come playoff time.

36. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

Career

• High school: Gulfport (Gulfport, Mississippi)
• College: LSU (1988–1990)
• NBA draft 1990 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 1990–2011
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 3, 1, 7
• 1990–1996: Denver Nuggets
• 1996–1998: Sacramento Kings
• 1998–1999: Fenerbahçe
• 2000–2001: Vancouver Grizzlies
• 2003–2004: Ural Great
• 2004–2005: Sedima Roseto
• 2006–2007: Aris BC
• 2007–2008: Al-Ittihad
• 2009–2011: Kyoto Hannaryz
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1991), NBA Most Improved Player (1993), Russian Cup champion (2004), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1989, 1990), USBWA National Freshman of the Year (1989), 2× SEC Player of the Year (1989, 1990), 2× First-team All-SEC (1989, 1990), SEC All-Freshman Team (1989), No. 35 jersey retired by LSU Tigers, McDonald's All-American (1988), First-team Parade All-American (1988), Second-team Parade All-American (1987), 2× Mississippi Mr. Basketball (1987, 1988)
• Points: 8,553 (14.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,087 (1.9 rpg)
• Assists: 2,079 (2.5 apg)

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was born on March 9, 1969, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He attended high school at Gulfport (Gulfport, Mississippi) and played college basketball for LSU before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1990.

Abdul-Rauf spent nine seasons with the Nuggets before moving to Europe to play with Fenerbahçe and then Sacramento Kings during the 1998–99 season. 

In 2001 he returned to North America to sign with the Toronto Raptors but retired two years later due to a knee injury sustained while playing for Turkey's Istanbul Bilgikspor.

After retiring from professional basketball, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf started working as an NBA analyst for ESPN networks from 2011 until his firing in 2016 after making controversial statements.

About Islam and Muhammad Ali Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was a two-time consensus first-team All-American and SEC Player of the Year who led LSU to an NCAA Championship in his lone season with the team.

After being drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies, he played for Ural Great before joining Sedima Roseto in 2004. He then signed with Aris BC before spending one year with Kyoto Hannaryz in 2009–10. 

In 2011, he retired from playing basketball and became an assistant coach at Louisiana State University where he remains today.

37. Vlatko Cančar

Forward

Career

• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 2 / Pick: 49th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2012–2013: Koš Koper
• 2013–2016: Union Olimpija
• 2014–2016: →LTH Castings
• 2016–2018: Mega Leks
• 2018: →Burgos
• 2018–2019: Burgos
• 2019–present: Denver Nuggets
• 2019: →Erie BayHawks
• 2021: →Grand Rapids Gold
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Slovenia, EuroBasket, : 2017 Turkey:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Slovenia
• EuroBasket
• : 2017 Turkey:

Vlatko Cančar was born on 10 April 1997 in Koper, Slovenia. He is a small forward and played for Koš Koper from 2012-2013 before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2017.

In his rookie season with the Nuggets, he averaged 5 points per game while shooting 37% from 3 point range. Vlatko has represented Slovenia at various youth levels including at the U18 European Championships where he helped them to a silver medal finish in 2016.

In September of 2018, it was announced that Cančar would be joining Panathinaikos Athens of Greece for the 2019–20 season as they seek to defend their EuroLeague title Vlatko Cančar is a Slovenian basketball player who has played for Union Olimpija, Mega Leks, and the Erie BayHawks in Europe.

In 2018 he signed with the Denver Nuggets. 2. Cancar was born on March 8th, 1994 in the town of Jesenice in Slovenia. He started playing basketball at an early age and attended Enotna High School before moving to Italy to play college ball with Lottomatica Roma Trebiano under coach Massimo Mignani.

After one season he transferred to Union Olimpija where he currently plays professional basketball. 3. In 2017 Cancar helped lead Slovenia to their first EuroBasket title since 1999 when they defeated Turkey 97-72 in the final game held at Spodek Arena in Warsaw, Poland. 

It was also his country's most successful international tournament ever winning 18 out of 21 games played including victories against France (95-73), Spain (89-71) and Croatia (83-68).

Prior to this victory over Turkey Cancar had been averaging 17 points per game during the tournament while shooting 50 percent from three point range en route to being named Most Valuable Player of Group A alongside players like Nikola Jokic and Dejan Bodiroga. 

With his MVP award Slovenia became only the fifth nation ever - after Lithuania, Argentina, Brazil and Yugoslavia -to win a European Championship medal as well as a World Cup appearance later that year.

When they competed at FIBA Americas where they lost 62-60 against Venezuela in semifinal action but did manage a 73-57 victory over Panama which secured third place overall behind hosts USA and Canada respectively.

Despite starting all 33 games for Erie BayHawks last season averaging 16 points 4 rebounds 2 assists 1 steal whilst shooting 44 percent from two point range 36 percent from beyond the arc 23 percent from inside 3 feet & 79 percent from free throw line. 

It wasn't enough as they were unable or unwilling to make any progress towards qualifying for playoffs despite having home-court advantage throughout much of regular season, unlike previous seasons.

The move comes days after head coach Terry Stotts resigned due not only losing key players such as Ja Morant Brandon Ingram Reggie Bullock Danilo Gallinari Wilson Chandler Emmanuel Mudiay Roy Hibbert Jarret Jack Tyler Doris Burke Jordan Bell Donovan Mitchell Kenneth Faried Malik Beasley Enes Kanter Domantas Sabonis Darrell Arthur.

38. Davon Reed

Career

• High school: Princeton Day School, (Princeton, New Jersey)
• College: Miami (Florida) (2013–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32nd overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–2018: Phoenix Suns
• 2017–2018: →Northern Arizona Suns
• 2018–2019: Indiana Pacers
• 2018–2019: →Fort Wayne Mad Ants
• 2019–2020: Sioux Falls Skyforce
• 2020–2021: Taoyuan Pilots
• 2021: Grand Rapids Gold
• 2021–present: Denver Nuggets
• 2022: →Grand Rapids Gold
• Third-team All-ACC (2017)

Davon Reed is a versatile small forward who was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2017. He played college basketball for Miami (Florida) and averaged 16.7 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game during his three seasons there.

Reed has spent time with the Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies in his NBA career so far, contributing 14+ points per game on average across all of those teams. Davon Reed is a versatile forward who has played for three different teams in the past two seasons.

Reed was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2017, but he didn't play much with them due to injury. He then moved to Northern Arizona Suns before being traded to Indiana Pacers last season. Davon Reed averaged 10 points and five rebounds per game last season with Indy Pacers and Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

He will be playing for Denver Nuggets this year as they look to make it back into the playoffs. Davon Reed is an excellent shooter from beyond the arc and has been nicknamed "Mr Triple-Double" because of his impressive stat line of 10 points, 10 rebounds, and ten assists over his career so far.

Also Played For: miami hurricanes basketball, university of miami basketball

39. Christian Braun

Career

• High school: Blue Valley Northwest, (Overland Park, Kansas)
• College: Kansas (2019–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21st overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Denver Nuggets
• NCAA champion (2022), Second-team All-Big 12 (2022), Big 12 All-Freshman Team (2020), Mr. Kansas Basketball (2019)

Christian Braun is a 21-year-old shooting guard who played college basketball at Kansas. He was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets.

Braun has shown great promise as a player, averaging 16 points and 4 rebounds per game over his two seasons with Kansas. He will be looking to develop his skills further in the NBA, where he is sure to make an impact on both sides of the ball.

Braun was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. Braun played college basketball at Kansas, where he won a national championship in 2020. Braun has spent most of his professional career with the Nuggets, playing sporadically for other teams since then.

He is currently a reserve player on their roster and is averaging 3 points and 2 rebounds per game this season.

40. T. R. Dunn

Career

• High school: West End (Birmingham, Alabama)
• College: Alabama (1973–1977)
• NBA draft 1977 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 1977–1991
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 23, 25
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1983–1985), First-team Parade All-American (1973)
• Points: 5,033 (5.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,371 (4.4 rpg)
• Steal: 1,316 (1.3 spg)

T. R. Dunn was a shooting guard and small forward who played in the NBA for over twenty years. He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977, and spent most of his career with them.

In 1988 he moved to Denver, where he helped the Nuggets reach the playoffs twice before retiring in 1991. Dunn is now retired from playing basketball but still looks after his health regularly through exercise and a balanced diet.

T. R. Dunn was an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets from 2011-2014 before becoming a head coach in Minnesota in 2014. 

While coaching with the Timberwolves, Dunn led them to their first playoff appearance since 2003 and second overall during his tenure (the team had also made it to the playoffs in 2005 but lost to Miami).

After two years of unsuccessful coaching, he stepped down from his role with the Rockets and became a scout for Charlotte Hornets under new ownership on Feburary 8th, 2018.

41. DeAndre Jordan

Career

• 2008–2018: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2018–2019: Dallas Mavericks
• 2019: New York Knicks
• 2019–2021: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–2022: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2022: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2022–present: Denver Nuggets

DeAndre Jordan is one of the most dominant centers in the NBA, and his ability to block shots and score inside makes him a force to be reckoned with. Jordan was born in Houston, Texas but raised in Bellaire, Texas before playing collegiately at Texas A&M.

After two seasons at Texas A&M, Jordan was drafted by the Clippers in 2008 and has since been one of their key players. He has won three consecutive titles with Los Angeles as well as being named an All-Star multiple times over his career. 

Jordan is also known for his charitable work including contributing money to hurricane relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston last year DeAndre Jordan is a 6'11" center who has played for the Los Angeles Clippers since 2008.

He was drafted with the seventh pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, but he never played for them due to injuries. Jordan signed with the Clippers and became an All-Star in 2017 and an All-NBA First Team member in 2016. 

He also won two rebounding titles (2014, 2015) and was named Third-team Parade All-American in 2007 while playing at Texas A&M University.

Also Played For: texas a&m university basketball, nba 2k19

42. Ish Smith

Career

• High school: Central Cabarrus, (Concord, North Carolina)
• College: Wake Forest (2006–2010)
• NBA draft: 2010 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2010–present
• 2010–2011: Houston Rockets
• 2011: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2011: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2011–2012: Golden State Warriors
• 2012–2013: Orlando Magic
• 2013: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2013–2014: Phoenix Suns
• 2014–2015: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2015: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2015: New Orleans Pelicans
• 2015–2016: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2016–2019: Detroit Pistons
• 2019–2021: Washington Wizards
• 2021–2022: Charlotte Hornets
• 2022: Washington Wizards
• 2022–present: Denver Nuggets
• Second-team All-ACC (2010)

Ish Smith was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2010 but never played for them. He then signed with Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League and helped them win a championship in 2013.

In 2014, he was traded to the Washington Wizards and has been their starting point guard since then. Ish Smith is averaging 17 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds per game this season and is considered one of the best point guards in the league.

Ish Smith has had a successful career in the NBA, playing for six different teams over nine seasons. Ish Smith is known as an excellent passer and distributor, able to find teammates on both sides of the court. 

He led the 76ers to their first playoff appearance in eight years during his rookie season, and was named Rookie of the Year by several publications.

In 2016, he signed with Denver as a free agent and helped lead them to their first division title since 1997 (the same year they drafted him). He will be looking to continue this success when he joins Washington next season.

Also Played For: wake forest best basketball players

43. Michael Adams

Career

• High school: Hartford Public, (Hartford, Connecticut)
• College: Boston College (1981–1985)
• NBA draft 1985 / Round: 3 / Pick: 66th overall
• Selected by the Sacramento Kings
• Playing career: 1985–1996
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 10, 14, 23
• Coaching career: 1999–2010
• As player:, NBA All-Star (1992), CBA Rookie of the Year (1986), 2× Second-team All-Big East (1984, 1985)
• Points: 9,621 (14.7 ppg)
• Assists: 4,209 (6.4 apg)
• Steals: 1,081 (1.7 spg)

Michael Adams was a point guard who played in the NBA for ten seasons. He attended Boston College and was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 1985. Adams spent most of his career with Springfield Fame, but also played for the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Milwaukee Bucks.

In 1996 he retired from professional basketball and began coaching at Hartwick College in New York state. Adams is currently an assistant coach with the Utah Jazz organization Adams was a talented player in the NBA and played for several teams during his career. 

Adams is most famous for being an assistant coach with the Washington Mystics from 2004 to 2007.

Adams also coached at Archbishop Carroll High School before he retired from playing in 2009. Adams has won many awards, including two Second-team All-Big East Awards as a player and one as an assistant coach.

44. Reggie Williams

Career

• High school: Paul Laurence Dunbar, (Baltimore, Maryland)
• College: Georgetown (1983–1987)
• NBA draft 1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
• Playing career: 1987–1997
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 34, 2, 7
• 1987–1989: Los Angeles Clippers
• 1989–1990: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 1990: San Antonio Spurs
• 1991–1996: Denver Nuggets
• 1996: Indiana Pacers
• 1996–1997: New Jersey Nets
• NCAA champion (1984), Consensus first-team All-American (1987), Big East Player of the Year (1987), 2× First-team All-Big East (1986, 1987), Mr. Basketball USA (1983), McDonald's All-American (1983), First-team Parade All-American (1983)
• Points: 7,508 (12.5 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,393 (4.0 rpg)
• Assists: 1,402 (2.5 apg)

Reggie Williams was born on March 5, 1964 in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended high school at Paul Laurence Dunbar and went on to play college basketball for Georgetown.

In 1987, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers with the fourth overall pick and played professionally for them until 1997. During his time in the NBA, Reggie averaged 17 points per game over his career.

He retired from professional basketball in 1997 and now coaches youth players in Baltimore alongside his wife Jaimie King-Williams who also played professionally as a point guard. Reggie Williams is a former NBA player who played for the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and New Jersey Nets.

Reggie was an excellent all-around player in his career, averaging 12.5 points per game and 4 rebounds per contest. He won two consecutive Big East Player of the Year Awards (1986, 1987) and was also named Mr. Basketball USA in 1983. 

After playing college ball at Virginia Tech, Williams went on to have a successful professional career with stints with the Nuggets, Pacers and Nets over six seasons total.

45. Wilson Chandler

Small forward

Career

• High school: Benton Harbor, (Benton Harbor, Michigan)
• College: DePaul (2005–2007)
• NBA draft 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 23rd overall
• Selected by the New York Knicks
• Playing career: 2007–2020
• Position: Small forward
• 2007–2011: New York Knicks
• 2011: Denver Nuggets
• 2011–2012: Zhejiang Lions
• 2012–2018: Denver Nuggets
• 2018–2019: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2019: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2019–2020: Brooklyn Nets
• 2020: Zhejiang Guangsha Lions
• Second-team All-Big East (2007), Big East All-Rookie Team (2006), Third-team Parade All-American (2005), Mr. Basketball of Michigan (2005)

Chandler was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan on May 10, 1987. He attended high school at Benton Harbor and played college basketball for DePaul. Chandler was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2007 and spent seven seasons with the team before joining Denver in 2020.

His height of 6'8" (2.03 m) and weight of 235 lb (107 kg) make him a physical small forward capable of scoring inside as well as outside the paint. 

Chandler has amassed career averages of 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game over his 7-year NBA career which has included stints with Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Nuggets respectively Wilson Chandler was a key player for the Nuggets and 76ers during his time in the NBA.

He is known for his toughness and rebounding ability, which has helped him earn multiple accolades over the years. His playing style is versatile, allowing him to play both at small forward and power forward positions. 

In 2019 he signed with the Clippers, where he will be counted on to provide offensive firepower off the bench.

Also Played For: depaul basketball

46. Peyton Watson

Career

• High school: Long Beach Poly, (Long Beach, California)
• College: UCLA (2021–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 30th overall
• Selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Denver Nuggets
• 2022: →Grand Rapids Gold
• McDonald's All-American (2021)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2021 Latvia: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2021 Latvia: Team

Watson was a two-time All-American at UCLA, where he averaged 18.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in his senior season. The Denver Nuggets drafted Watson with the 30th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft.

Peyton Watson is a 20-year old guard who was born in Detroit, Michigan. Watson played college basketball at Colorado State University and helped the Rams reach the NCAA Tournament twice during his four years playing for them.

The Nuggets drafted Peyton with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and he has since become a regular member of their roster. He has so far averaged 5 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound per game in his career but he does have some impressive stats including shooting 41% from three point range over his first two seasons combined.

As well as representing his country on international stage, Peyton is also an ambassador for Special Olympics Colorado where he volunteers time to help kids with disabilities enjoy sport too.

47. Timofey Mozgov

Center

Career

• NBA draft: 2008 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2004–2022
• Position: Center
• 2004–2006: LenVo St. Petersburg
• 2006: CSK VVS Samara
• 2006–2010: Khimki
• 2010–2011: New York Knicks
• 2011–2015: Denver Nuggets
• 2011: Khimki
• 2015–2016: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2016–2017: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2017–2018: Brooklyn Nets
• 2019–2021: Khimki
• 2021–2022: Runa Basket Moscow
• NBA champion (2016), Russian Cup champion (2008)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Russia, Olympic Games, : 2012 London: Team, EuroBasket, : 2011 Lithuania:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Russia
• Olympic Games
• : 2012 London: Team
• EuroBasket
• : 2011 Lithuania:

A 7-foot center, Timofey Mozgov entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He spent four seasons with the Russian team LenVo St Petersburg before joining CSK VVS Samara in 2006.

After two seasons with Khimki, Mozgov joined the New York Knicks for a single season in 2011–12. The next year he moved to Denver Nuggets where he played until 2015 when he was traded to Cleveland Cavaliers and retired at the end of that season.

With averages of 8 rebounds per game and 2 blocks over his career, Mozgov is considered one of Russia's most successful basketball players ever Timofey Mozgov is a talented center who has played for three different NBA teams in his seven-year career.

He was born in Russia but moved to the United States as a child and developed into one of the best centers in the league. In 2016, he won an NBA title with Cleveland Cavaliers and helped them make it to the Eastern Conference Finals that year as well.

His contract with Brooklyn Nets expired at the end of last season, so he will be looking for another team soon enough. Aside from basketball, Mozgov enjoys spending time with his family and friends and loves soccer too.

48. Raef LaFrentz

Career

• High school: MFL MarMac (Monona, Iowa)
• College: Kansas (1994–1998)
• NBA draft 1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 1998–2009
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 45, 9
• 1998–2002: Denver Nuggets
• 2002–2003: Dallas Mavericks
• 2003–2006: Boston Celtics
• 2006–2009: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1997, 1998), 2× Big 12 Player of the Year (1997, 1998), 2× First-team All-Big 12 (1997, 1998), First-team All-Big Eight (1996), No. 45 jersey retired by Kansas Jayhawks, Second-team Parade All-American (1994)
• Points: 5,690 (10.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,423 (6.1 rpg)
• Blocks: 919 (1.6 bpg)

LaFrentz was drafted 3rd overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1998 NBA draft. LaFrentz spent time with both the Nuggets and Boston Celtics during his playing career.

In 2009, LaFrentz retired from professional basketball after playing for 7 years. LaFrentz is currently an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves organization.

LaFrentz has been involved in several charities throughout his career, including Mychal Thompson's Raising Malawi foundation and Project Angel Food LaFrentz was a two-time consensus first-team All American at Kansas and is one of the most decorated players in school history.

LaFrentz played for several teams over his career, but he is best known for his time with the Dallas Mavericks from 2002-2003 to 2006-2007. LaFrentz made an impact on both ends of the court during his NBA career and retired as one of only three players in league history to block 900 shots in a season (along with Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan).

LaFrentz will be remembered most fondly by KU fans for his memorable performances against Kansas rival Baylor and led the Jayhawks to their first Final Four appearance since 1988.

49. Juwan Howard

Power forward

Career

• High school: Chicago Vocational, (Chicago, Illinois)
• College: Michigan (1991–1994)
• NBA draft 1994 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Washington Bullets
• Playing career: 1994–2013
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 5, 7, 55, 6
• Coaching career: 2013–present
• As player:, 2× NBA champion (2012, 2013), NBA All-Star (1996), All-NBA Third Team (1996), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1995), Second-team All-American – NABC (1994), Third-team All-American – AP (1994), First-team Parade All-American (1991), McDonald's All-American (1991), , As coach:, , AP Coach of the Year (2021), Sporting News Coach of the Year (2021), Big Ten regular season champion (2021), Henry Iba Award (2021), Big Ten Coach of the Year (2021)
• Points: 16,159 (13.4 ppg)
• Rebounds: 7,428 (6.1 rpg)
• Assists: 2,663 (2.2 apg)

Juwan Howard was born on February 7, 1973 in Chicago, Illinois and attended high school at Chicago Vocational. Juwan Howard played college basketball for Michigan from 1991-1994 where he was a four year starter and helped lead the Wolverines to an Elite 8 appearance his senior season.

After graduating from college, Juwan Howard entered the 1994 NBA Draft and was selected 5th overall by the Washington Bullets. 

During his 13 seasons in the NBA, Juwan Howard played power forward for six different teams including three stints with Washington (1995-1998; 2001–2003), one with Atlanta (2004-2005), two with Orlando Magic (2006-2011) and one final time with Milwaukee Bucks (2013).

In 2013, after spending two years out of the league due to injury, Juwan Howard returned to coaching as an assistant coach for Indiana Pacers under Frank Vogel before being named head coach of Michigan in 2020.

50. Chris Andersen

Power forward

Career

• NBA champion (2013)

Andersen began his professional career in 1999 with the Denver Nuggets. He played for them until 2017. Andersen is best known for his time with the Miami Heat, where he spent 8 seasons (2011-2017).

In 2011, Andersen was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and led the team to its first-ever championship victory. In total, Andersen has won 3 championships: with Miami in 2012, then again with Minnesota in 2016, and finally with Houston in 2017.

After leaving Miami following their second title win, Andersen joined the Charlotte Hornets for one season before retiring from playing at age 38 after a stint as an assistant coach of the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018–19 season. Andersen is a 7-foot-1, 230-pound center who played college basketball at Colorado.

Andersen was signed by the Denver Nuggets as an undrafted free agent in 2001 and made his NBA debut that year. He has spent most of his career with the Nuggets, playing for them from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2012. 

Andersen has averaged 9 points and 6 rebounds per game over his career and won two championships with the Heat in 2013 and 2016.

In 2017 he was traded to Cleveland but was waived shortly thereafter. Since retiring from professional basketball, Andersen has worked as a television commentator for NBA games on TNT or ESPN networks in Europe or Asia Pacific regions where there are no American teams playing live games.  

As of 2019, Andersen is a player/coach for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania) in Baltic Basketball League (BBL).

51. Wayne Cooper

Career

• High school: Telfair County (McRae, Georgia)
• College: New Orleans (1974–1978)
• NBA draft 1978 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 1978–1992
• Position: Center
• Number: 43, 40, 42
• 1978–1980: Golden State Warriors
• 1980–1981: Utah Jazz
• 1981–1982: Dallas Mavericks
• 1982–1984: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1984–1989: Denver Nuggets
• 1989–1992: Portland Trail Blazers
• Sun Belt Player of the Year (1978), 2× First-team All-Sun Belt (1977, 1978)
• Points: 7,777 (7.9 ppg)
• Rebounds: 6,095 (6.2 rpg)
• Blocks: 1,535 (1.6 bpg)

Wayne Cooper was a two-time All-Star and member of the 1980 NBA championship team with the Golden State Warriors. He played center for most of his career, averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds per game over 18 seasons in the NBA.

After retiring from playing, he served as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies until his death in 2022 at age 65. Cooper was a four-year player at Utah where he averaged 14.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. 

Cooper was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 1981 NBA draft and played for them until 1984, when he signed with Portland Trail Blazers.

In his five seasons with Portland, Cooper averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds per game before being traded to Denver Nuggets in 1989 where he continued playing until 1992 (coincidentally, both teams made it to the playoffs during these years). 

Wayne Cooper is most well known for his time spent with the Portland Trail Blazers where he won two consecutive MVP Awards (1986–1987) and helped lead them to their only championship victory in franchise history in 1988 against Chicago Bulls.

After finishing his career with Denver Nuggets, Wayne retired from basketball after spending one year as head coach of Spanish team Valencia Basket. 

He currently resides back home in Oklahoma City,where he runs an academy dedicated exclusively to developing young athletes into successful professional basketball players.

Final Words

. . The Denver Nuggets are an American professional basketball team that have been a part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) since 1976. The Nuggets were founded in 1967 as the Denver Rockets, but relocated to Colorado in 1974.

They played their first season in Denver and then moved to Memphis for two seasons before returning to Denver for good in 1979. Since moving back to Denver, they have advanced past the First Round of the NBA playoffs only once, losing to eventual champions San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in 2005.

However, they did reach the Conference Finals twice during this time period:once under Rick Majerus from 1993-1994 and again under George Karl from 2003-2004. Outside of these playoff appearances, however, their best players have typically failed to live up to expectations or achieve much success elsewhere after leavingDenver