2012-13 DENVER NUGGETS SEASON PREVIEW
The Denver Nuggets proved that they were once again one of the most feared teams in the Western Conference during the 2011-12 season. With a 38-28 record, a second place finish in the Northwest division and the sixth seed in the playoffs, the Nuggets were confident they could take the next step over their rivals. Against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, the Nuggets came back from a 3-1 deficit to force a Game 7, but ran out of gas and couldn't complete a stunning turnaround. From top to bottom, the Nuggets have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, but entering the offseason the team was looking for that spark that could possibly put the team over the top.
The offseason saw the departure of veterans like Arron Affalo and Al Harrington, but the Nuggets quickly got active in the free agent market by sneaking into the Dwight Howard trade to nab Andre Iguodala away from the 76ers. The team also re-signed JaVale McGee to solidify the center position behind Kosta Koufos, as well as bringing in big man Anthony Randolph to provide depth at the power forward position. In the draft, the Nuggets may have found two important role players for the season ahead, including French standout shooting guard Evan Fournier and Quincy Miller, a talented forward from Baylor.
While there are a few new faces on the Nuggets' roster, the team remains largely the same from a year ago and head coach George Karl hopes he can put together a winning formula. At point guard, Ty Lawson and Andre Miller form an athletic tandem, while the arrival of Andre Iguodala should help Evan Fournier learn the shooting guard position slowly, while Corey Brewer provides depth. At forward, Kenneth Faried has really come into his own at the position, while Danilo Gallinari provides a size and shooting threat that has made him a fan favorite. Anthony Randolph is certainly the wild card of the group who has big time skills but has to play more consistently.
The Nuggets certainly didn't go out and splurge on a mega talent during the offseason, but rather worked on the fringe to strengthen a lineup that pushed the Lakers to the verge of elimination in the playoffs. They have given themselves financial flexibility to swing a deal and have constructed an up-and-coming roster that could cause Western Conference opponents fits during this season and beyond.
DENVER NUGGETS FRANCHISE FACTS:
Founded: 1967
Location: Denver, Colorado
Stadium: Pepsi Center
Conference: Western Conference
Division: Northwest Division
Rivals: N/A
Mascot: Rocky
Dancers: Nuggets Dancers
Notable Players: David Thompson, Dan Issel, Alex English
Denver Nuggets Championship Titles: 0
Denver Nuggets Conference Titles: 0
See Also:
Denver Nuggets Playoff tickets
Denver Nuggets Season Preview History
DENVER NUGGETS EXPERIENCE:
Colorado is home to many things: abundant wildlife, vivid landscapes and an ample amount of skiing opportunities. However, the state also boasts a large number of winning sports teams, including the Denver Nuggets. This franchise, which is a part of the National Basketball Association, has been putting fans in the stands since it joined the league in 1976.
Originally, the Nuggets were known as the Denver Rockets when they were founded in 1967 as a part of the American Basketball Association. The name change came when they merged into the NBA in 1976. Today, the Nuggets are arguably one of the most popular teams in the league and notable for bringing in some of the most successful players in the NBA.
One star that made his way through Denver en route to exploding onto the scene as an NBA star was Carmelo Anthony. In 2003, the team drafted him with the third pick overall and intended for him to become the face of the franchise. Up until 2011, Anthony did just that: with his impeccable shooting skills and ability to drive to the basket, the young superstar revived Colorado residents' faith in their local team.
Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks in the beginning of 2011, but enthusiasm for the Nuggets is still alive and strong in Denver and across the country. The team still has a number of notable players, including Kenyon Martin and Andre Miller.
Throughout the franchise's history, the Nuggets have not earned a conference title. However, the team won one while a part of the American Basketball Association in 1976. Denver has won seven division titles in the NBA with its latest one coming in 2010.
Currently, the team hosts its home games at the Pepsi Center, which is also where the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League play while the Nuggets are away. The arena can hold approximately 19,000 people during basketball games, giving plenty of fans an ample amount of opportunities to see their favorite team play.
Other all-star players that have notably made the roster for the Nuggets include Allen Iverson and Chauncey Billups. It's talented shooters like these that have continued to bring fans to the Pepsi Center year after year to see the franchise bring all they have to the court.
Denver Nuggets Ticket Information:
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