The Denver Nuggets started its historical past within the ABA earlier than coming over to the NBA in 1976. Denver has fielded a number of high quality groups however had by no means made it to the NBA finals. That modified in 2023 because the Nuggets will now face off in opposition to the Miami Heat on this yr’s championship sequence. Many famend gamers have suited up for the Nuggets and listed here are a few of their most sought-after rookie playing cards.
Alex English 1979 Topps
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First drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, Alex English had hassle reaching his full potential throughout his first few years within the league. That modified in 1980 when he was traded to the Nuggets. The scoring machine would go on to leaded the league in factors per recreation in 1983 and would play in eight All-Star video games.
English was one of many first gamers to be deeply linked to the Nuggets. Denver retired his quantity in 1992 and English was named to the NBA Hall of Fame in 1997. The small ahead’s first card comes within the 1979 Topps set and could be had in a PSA 9 for between $250 and $300.
Fat Lever 1986 Fleer
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Lafayette Lever was drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 1982. After two years in Portland, ‘Fat’ was traded to Denver the place he grew to become one of many league’s greatest level guards. While he was solely 6-3, Lever commonly averaged greater than 8 rebounds a recreation and recorded 43 triple-doubles over the course of his profession.
Lever spent 6 years in Denver, making two All-Star groups in addition to an All-Defense Second crew. The Nuggets retired his quantity 17 in 2017. Fat’s rookie card comes within the iconic 86 Fleer set and sells for $900 in a PSA 10.
Dikembe Mutombo 1991 Upper Deck
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In the 1991 NBA Draft, the Nuggets chosen Dikembe Mutombo from Georgetown. He was a drive instantly, making the NBA All-Star crew in his rookie yr, the primary of 8 appearances. Mutombo was a dominant defensive participant and went on to assist the Nuggets safe a shocking playoff upset in opposition to the Seattle Supersonics in 1994.
While with the Nuggets, the middle would win his first Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1995. He would win the award 3 extra instances over the course of his Hall of Fame profession. Mutombo’s most notable rookie card comes within the 1991 Upper Deck set and sells for round $100 in a PSA 10.
Carmelo Anthony 2003 Topps Chrome
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The Nuggets landed the third general decide within the legendary 2003 Draft. Luckily for them, the Pistons took Darko Milicic 2nd general and Denver was in a position to choose Carmelo Anthony, recent off a Championship at Syracuse. During his profession with the Nuggets, Anthony would play in 4 All-Star video games with the Nuggets and assist the crew commonly make the playoffs.
Anthony would ultimately be traded to the Knicks, however the gamers and picks Denver acquired within the deal helped to construct the crew they’re at this time. Anthony’s greatest rookie, the 2003 Topps Chrome, sells for $150.
Nikola Jokic 2015 Panini Prizm
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In the second spherical of the 2014 NBA Draft, the Nuggets chosen a 19-year-old Serbian heart. They should have knowm one thing the remainder of the league didn’t. Nikola Jokic has developed into one of many premier gamers within the NBA, making 5 All-Star groups and profitable two MVP Awards.
Now, ‘Joker’ has helped the Nuggets attain the NBA finals for the primary time. With the nationwide publicity Jokic is now getting, his rookie playing cards will certainly be on the rise. The heart’s first Panini Prizm card is promoting briskly on-line in a PSA 10 for greater than $1,000.
*Any perceived funding recommendation is that of the freelance blogger and doesn’t signify recommendation on behalf of GoCollect.
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