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Denver Nuggets: Our Top 5 International Players of All Time

By Kyle Standfield

Sep 11, 2015; Springfield, MA, USA; Dikembe Mutombo speaks during the 2015 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Springfield Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2015; Springfield, MA, USA; Dikembe Mutombo speaks during the 2015 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Springfield Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Wizards center Nene Hilario (42) dunks to score a basket against Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Wizards center Nene Hilario (42) dunks to score a basket against Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Nene- #4

Nene holds a top 10 place in the Denver Nuggets career leaders for the following categories: Games (7th), Minutes Played (8th), Total Rebounds (7th), Steals (5th), Blocks (9th), Points (9th) and Field Goal Percentage (2nd), among others.

The Brazilian big man was taken 7th overall in the 2002 NBA draft by the New York Knicks and immediately traded to Denver. Nene spent a decade in the Mile High City, firstly as a backup to Marcus Camby, then as the Nuggets starting center himself.  Nene had the unique ability to score using both his brute strength to bully opponents down low as well as use a soft touch around the rim.

His game featured a lightning quick spin against defenders in the the post that he often employed to get to the hole. Nene had range out to the elbow and was mostly unmovable when snapping up rebounds. Above all, consistency was what made Nene great. With a decade of productiveness and professionalism, Nene deserves to be recognized as one of the more important players in modern Nuggets history.

Nene was dealt to the Washington Wizards in a trade deadline deal for JaVale McGee in 2012. He holds NBA career statistics of 12.2ppg and 6.5rpg.

Next: #3

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