Denver Nuggets: TOP 10 All-Time Nuggets
By Wardell
David “Skywalker” Thompson
What he did: 25.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.6 APG and a 4 time All-Star
Why he deserves this spot: Had Thompson’s career in Denver lasted just a little bit longer, a case could have been made for him to have earned the top spot on this list.
However, his battles with substance abuse shortened not only his career with the Denver Nuggets, but his NBA career in general. A career which, if he had reached his true potential, would have been one of the greatest in basketball history. I truly believe that statement.
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Thompson was one of the few players who Michael Jordan grew up idolizing, which is incredible on its own. He was also one of the first players to be considered an athletic freak of nature.
It’s even how he earned the nickname “Skywalker”, because he had an incredible 44-inch vertical. He could jump so high that, while playing for North Carolina State, he could grab a quarter off the top of the backboard.
At the time, the only player who could come close to his explosiveness was Dr. J. Add that with his ability to easily score from inside and mid-range, as well as his penchant for rebounding and assists, and you get the truly bad man that was David Thompson.
Not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning good.
However, Thompson’s soft-spoken nature and high emotional sensibility got the best of him. He had problems venting his stress and emotions with others, and he found an outlet in alcohol and drugs.
His addiction was the downfall of what could have been a great career. But in his few years with the Denver Nuggets, Thompson still did enough to earn the third spot on this list.
Next: No. 2
