Nugg Love
Fansided

Nuggets: Top 10 defenders in their history

By Michael 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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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 29: NBA Legend Dikembe Mutombo is seen at his number retirement ceremony during the game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets on October 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)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 29: NBA Legend Dikembe Mutombo is seen at his number retirement ceremony during the game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets on October 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) /

Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo: DWS 25.7

Oh, Deke, you holding the ball up in Seattle is the enduring image of this franchise. I know Carmelo gave us some great moments, I’ll even put Gary Harris’ Thunder-beating 3 up on the list, but I’m still giving the Nod to the David vs. Goliath victory the Nuggets pulled off in the ’94 playoffs as the best moment in team history.

Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

One of the crazy things about Mutombo lore is that he spent a relatively short time with the Nuggets, only five of his 20 NBA seasons coming with the Blue, Burgundy and Gold. What a five years it was, though with Mutombo garnering the first of his four defensive player of the year awards in 1995 and leading the NBA in blocks his final 3 years in Denver.

Did you know that in the magical 1994 playoff run, Dikembe averaged 5.8 blocks per game? That’s second in NBA history behind novelty player Manute Bol (who was seven-foot-seven, mind you)  He is second to Hakeem Olajuwon in NBA history at 2.75 blocks per game.

Deke’s finger wag is legendary and got him in some trouble with none other than Michael Jordan.  During a regular-season game in Denver, Mutombo blocked the G.O.A.T. and, of course, wagged his finger at him.  A foul had been called and Michael headed to the line where he looked at Deke and promptly made two free-throws………with his eyes closed.  A fun exchange between two greats at the top of their game.

Mutombo remains an ambassador for the NBA and one of its greatest defensive players and humanitarians, all-time.

So, wait, if Dikembe is #2, who in the world could be #1?  Who hasn’t been mentioned?  Longtime Nugget fans will know this next name well.