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 Nuggets v Indiana Pacers INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 11: Nene Hilario #31 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket during the game between the Indiana Pacers and the Denver Nuggets on February 11, 2012 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2012 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) Getty ID: 138766817
Denver Nuggets v Indiana Pacers INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 11: Nene Hilario #31 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket during the game between the Indiana Pacers and the Denver Nuggets on February 11, 2012 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2012 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) Getty ID: 138766817 /

Nenê: DWS 23.2

One of my all-time favorite Nuggets’ big men, Nenê came in like the proverbial wrecking ball.  As the seventh pick in the 2002 NBA draft, he earned all-rookie first-team honors.

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Hilario (as his jersey read then) was the initial cornerstone of then-General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe’s plan for rebuilding a team that had spent much of the 90’s in disarray.  Following with Carmelo Anthony in 2003, the Nuggets went on a decade-long run of playoff appearances.

While his defensive stats aren’t spectacular (one steal and .8 blocks per game), his size has always been his greatest advantage.  Nearly impossible to back down, the Brazilian big has carved out a nice NBA career.

For his size, there were few players that could match Nenê’s athleticism.  He has a Defensive rating of 99 (under 100 is always good) and his per-36 steals and blocks are among the best in the league, during his career.