Nugg Love
Fansided

Denver Nuggets unheralded players that we loved

By Michael Longhofer

Los Angeles Lakers v Denver Nuggets, Game 3DENVER - APRIL 26: Eduardo Najera #21 of the Denver Nuggets goes to basket against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2008 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 2008 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 80871860
Los Angeles Lakers v Denver Nuggets, Game 3DENVER - APRIL 26: Eduardo Najera #21 of the Denver Nuggets goes to basket against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2008 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 2008 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 80871860 /
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Los Angeles Lakers v Denver Nuggets, Game 3DENVER – APRIL 26: Eduardo Najera #21 of the Denver Nuggets goes to basket against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2008 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 2008 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 80871860
Los Angeles Lakers v Denver Nuggets, Game 3DENVER – APRIL 26: Eduardo Najera #21 of the Denver Nuggets goes to basket against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2008 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 2008 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 80871860 /

When Najera was applying his trade in Denver, I noted one time that as much as he looked like an Aztec warrior, his complexion was oddly pale.

From that, he earned the nickname “Leche” in our household.  The 6-8, 240lb Najera from Ciudad Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico was, for most of his Denver stint, a backup power forward.  Playing behind Kenyon Martin did have it’s benefit as K-Mart was oft-injured and for a brief time in the 2006 playoff series against the Clippers, suspended.  During Martin’s suspension, Najera got his first playoff start.

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The gritty Najera loved to make his team and the players around him tougher, stronger, more willing to sacrifice for victory.  He was often on the floor, the master of the loose ball.  He was big and strong but had a wonderfully soft touch in the paint.

The Carmelo Nuggets have a special place in Denver lore.  10 straight playoff appearances, a Western Conference Finals appearance and some of the most talented players ever to wear the powder blue.  Lost in all that star power are unsung heroes and few were more unsung than Eddie.  He averaged about six points, five rebounds and an assist in his Denver stint.  Statistics can not adequately represent Najera’s impact.  He was, for a time, the engine of that high-powered squad.

Now an assistant with the Mavericks, Leche has continued to impact his teams even after his playing career ended in 2012.