Denver Nuggets
(21-61, 5th in Midwest, 43 games back)
1997 Draft Order
| STRENGTHS: | GOOD SIZE |
| FORWARDS |
| WEAKNESSES: | DEFENSIVE ATTITUDE |
| NO GO-TO GUYS |
| GUARD PLAY |
| FREE AGENTS TO BE |
| CHANGES: | BILL HANZILK IN, DICK MOTTA OUT; LAPHONSO OUT 4-6 MONTHS |
| NEEDS: | POINT GUARD AND SCORERS |
| #1 Draft Picks in the Nineties |
1990
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, G, LSU (3) |
1993
Rodney Rogers, F, Wake Forest (9) |
1991
Dikembe Mutombo, C, Georgetown (4) |
1994
Jalen Rose, G, Michigan (13) |
Mark Macon, G, Temple (8) |
1995
Brent Barry, G, Oregon State (15) |
1992
LaPhonso Ellis, F, Notre Dame (5) |
1996
Ethimis Retzias, C, Greece (23) |
Bryant Stith, G, Virginia (13) |
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TEAM NOTES:
| NUGGETS |
|
OPP. |
| 97.8 (13th) |
PPG |
104.1 (26th) |
| .439 (23rd) |
FG% |
.467 (22nd) |
| 42.0 (8th) |
REBS |
43.2 (26th) |
| 16.6 (25th) |
TO'S |
12.9 (29th) |
| |
1996-97 |
|
- Denver completed its 2nd worst record in franchise history with a 21-61 mark (20-62 in 1990-91)
- 7th time Nuggets missed playoffs in 21-year career.
- One of 6 teams to allow 100+ points a game (NJ, Phoenix, Denver, G.S, Philly and Boston)
- Nuggets only 10-23 in games decided by 5 points or less. They also lost 25 games when leading in the 4th quarter or overtime.
- After the All-Star Break, the Nuggets went just 5-29 and surrendered 108.2 ppg.
- When allowing 100+ points, Nuggets were 8-48.
- For the 2nd straight year, Nuggets forced an NBA-low 12.9 turnovers a game. Last year, they only forced 13.8 turnovers a game.
- When examining opponents' statistical rankings, the Nuggets ranked 20th or lower in every category expect DQÃs.
- Nuggets only 4-36 vs. teams over .500.
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