Second-greatest player in the history of each NBA franchise
Denver Nuggets: Dan Issel
Greatest Player: Alex English
Dan Issel isn’t among Carmelo Anthony, Dikembe Mutombo or even Alex English as recognizable figures in Denver Nuggets history in part because he was an eighth-round pick by Detroit in 1970.
And yet, he holds several firm spots in the Nuggets’ record books after spending nine seasons in Denver — not including a one-year stint just before their move from the ABA to the NBA.
By the time the Nuggets switched leagues, Issel’s All-Star days were mostly behind him — he’d make his final appearance in Denver’s inaugural NBA season in 1976-77. Even as he crept into his 30s during this time, Issel still found ways to average 20.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game over eight seasons.
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It didn’t take long for Denver to establish itself as NBA title threats, advancing to its first-ever conference finals in 1978 in part due to Issel’s playoff averages of 20.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists a night.
In the history of the Nuggets franchise, Issel ranks behind only Alex English in games played and points scored while topping the leaderboard in total free-throws and rebounds. He retired in 1985 and has his No. 44 retired in the Pepsi Center.