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Nuggets: Top 10 defenders in their history

ByMichael Longhofer|
Memphis Grizzlies v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 29: Chris Andersen #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw against the Denver Nuggets on February 29, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 513163864
Memphis Grizzlies v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 29: Chris Andersen #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw against the Denver Nuggets on February 29, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 513163864
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 21: Marcus Camby #23 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 21: Marcus Camby #23 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

We set the bar for all-time NBA defenders on Monday, today let’s look at the top 10 defenders in Nuggets history.

We will be using the same criteria but we will also look at “Defensive Box Plus/Minus” as a relevant statistic.

Often, defensive rankings are heavily weighted toward shot blockers.  Shot blockers hold a special place in NBA defensive lore and in our consciousness. We remember Chris Andersen for high-flying blocks but was he a good defender?  Could he lock down the opposing Center?  Well, wait and see if the Birdman makes the list for those answers!

So, where does your favorite Denver D-man rate?

After a requisite viewing of Semi-Pro to re-acquaint myself with the ABA days, let’s dive in!