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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1994 Playoffs: Nuggets vs. Seattle SuperSonicsSEATTLE – MAY 7: Brian Williams #8 of the Denver Nuggets shoots a free throw against the Seattle SuperSonics during Game Five of the 1994 Western Conference Quarterfinals on May 7, 1994 at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. 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 1994 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 78114163
1994 Playoffs: Nuggets vs. Seattle SuperSonicsSEATTLE – MAY 7: Brian Williams #8 of the Denver Nuggets shoots a free throw against the Seattle SuperSonics during Game Five of the 1994 Western Conference Quarterfinals on May 7, 1994 at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. 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 1994 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 78114163 /

Dikembe, Fonz, Reggie Williams, Mahmoud, B. Stith, Rodney Rogers, Robert Pack.  The mid-90’s Nuggets were probably my favorite squad.  Names that Nuggets fans remember fondly, from playoff surprises (Sonics) to All-Star participants (Deke, Williams), they were as star-studded as the Nuggs got, pre-Anthony.

One of the biggest personalities and just a generally large man, Bison Dele (Brian Williams while he was here) spent his short time in Denver as a larger-than-life personality.

Drafted by Orlando out of Arizona, Dele made his way to the Nuggets via free agency.  From 1993-95, Bison averaged eight points and 5.2 rebounds as backup to Dikembe Mutombo.  Dele was a gifted defender and shot-blocker, he went on to have some success with the Pistons, Clippers and Bulls, winning a championship in 1997 with Chicago.

Those that recall the Nuggets of the mid-90’s can attest to the eccentric nature of Dele.  It’s particularly that nature that endeared him to the fan base.

Bison disappeared off of his catamaran Hakuna Matata in July of 2002 under mysterious circumstances and is presumed dead.