Denver Nuggets: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history
2. Dikembe Mutombo (C) — No. 4 pick in 1991 NBA Draft
Career stats (with the Nuggets): 391 GP, 12.9 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 3.8 BPG, 2.6 TOV, 52.3 FG%, 65.0 FT%
Arguably the greatest rim protector there ever was, Dikembe Mutombo was as feared as they come when driving to the basket. His timing and instincts were second to none, allowing him to block what seemed like every shot that was within his large reach.
He wouldn’t be shy about blocking your shot either. He’d swat the ball into the fifth row then throw up his patented finger wag, demoralizing anyone who ever thought about driving to the basket.
Combined with his shot-blocking abilities was an elite defensive skill-set.
In a time where the game was dominated by big men, Mutombo was great at stifling every single one of the NBA elites.
Simply look at his list of accomplishments on the defensive end of the court:
- Three-time block champion
- Four-time Defensive Player of the Year
- Two-time rebounding champion
- Six-time All-Defensive Team
Mutombo knew he wasn’t much of a scorer, but that didn’t stop him from impacting the game on the less glamorous end. He almost averaged four blocks a game for his career, finishing second all-time in league history in total blocked shots.
In a game where scoring is what gets recognized by the media and fans, Mutombo dominated the other end of the court, putting fear into his opponents and earning a spot in the Hall of Fame along the way.