Nuggets: Top 10 defenders in their history

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 Nuggets v New Jersey Nets PISCATAWAY, NJ – CIRCA 1979: Dan Issel #44 of the Denver Nuggets backs in on George Johnson #52 of the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game circa 1979 at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. Issel played for the Nuggets from 1975-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) Getty ID: 502876732
Denver Nuggets v New Jersey Nets PISCATAWAY, NJ – CIRCA 1979: Dan Issel #44 of the Denver Nuggets backs in on George Johnson #52 of the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game circa 1979 at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. Issel played for the Nuggets from 1975-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) Getty ID: 502876732 /

Dan Issel: DWS 23.2

He hangs in the rafters. He coached the miracle ’94 squad. He’s been involved in Nuggets basketball in one way or another since 1975.

Dan Issel began his professional career with the ABA’s Kentucky Colonels, was traded to the Baltimore Claws (who folded) and then to the Nuggets.  The rest is Nuggets history.  Second leading scorer in franchise history and truly one of the faces of the franchise.

His defensive prowess is hard to measure, he was not a prolific shot-blocker but he was quick and crafty, averaging a steal per game for his career. He also averaged nine rebounds for his career.