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Denver Nuggets: Unheralded players we loved round two

By Michael Longhofer

7/7/1985, 8-1985 McNichols Arena 'Protest by handicapped against the Lutheran youth meeting three 10' crosses placed outside -a wheelchair on one, a pair of crutches on another,and a walker on the 3rd. There were about 30 protesters. in wheel chairs. Credit: The Denver Post (Denver Post via Getty Images)
7/7/1985, 8-1985 McNichols Arena 'Protest by handicapped against the Lutheran youth meeting three 10' crosses placed outside -a wheelchair on one, a pair of crutches on another,and a walker on the 3rd. There were about 30 protesters. in wheel chairs. Credit: The Denver Post (Denver Post via Getty Images) /
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Denver Nuggets v Atlanta HawksATLANTA – 1990: Bill Hanzlik #24 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks during a game played circa 1990 at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 1990 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 670728542
Denver Nuggets v Atlanta HawksATLANTA – 1990: Bill Hanzlik #24 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks during a game played circa 1990 at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 1990 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 670728542 /

Most of us know Bill Hanzlik either as an Altitude studio guy or possibly the Coach that guided the  1997 Nuggets to NBA infamy with an 11-71 record.

Before all of that, though, Hanz was a standout performer at Notre Dame.

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He was selected to the 1980 U.S. Olympic team.  He was the 20th pick in the NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics.  Traded to the Nuggets in 1982, Hanzlik immediately endeared himself to Denver fans.  His high-motor, never quit style was fun to watch.

His defensive intensity was his specialty.  Part strongman, part pest, Hanzlik could get under anyone’s skin.  His stellar defense belied a skill set that was more than just “defensive specialist”.

Hanz still ranks in the top-10 in Nuggets history in several categories; Games played, steals and assists among them.

If you can imagine, he brought the same energy and intensity to the game as he does to talking about the game or administering his Gold Crown Foundation.

For 37 years, Hanzlik has been a fixture both with the Nuggets and in the Denver community.  He truly is a local treasure.