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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 Los Angeles ClippersLOS ANGELES, CA – JAN 10: Jeff McInnis #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball against Ryan Bowen #42 of the Denver Nuggets on January 10, 2001 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. 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 2001 NBAE (Photo by Robert Mora/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 450862708
Denver Nuggets v Los Angeles ClippersLOS ANGELES, CA – JAN 10: Jeff McInnis #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball against Ryan Bowen #42 of the Denver Nuggets on January 10, 2001 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. 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 2001 NBAE (Photo by Robert Mora/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 450862708 /

Another entry that’s currently known for a different role with the Nuggets, Assistant Coach Ryan Bowen once played a role on the floor for the team.

Bowen was a second round draft choice of the Nuggets in 1998.  He played his first season in Turkey before joining the Nuggets to start the 1999 season.  At 6-9 and 214 pounds, Bowen was slightly undersized at the Power Forward position but made up for any deficiency with a limitless supply of effort.  Part of the bridge from the late-90’s team to the Carmelo-led Nuggets, Bowen was a good example of how the teams fortunes improving pushed quality players to the bench or off of the roster.  By the time Nene, K-Mart, Camby and Melo arrived, there was less and less room for Bowen in the Nuggets front court.

True to his personality, however, Bowen gutted out his last two seasons with all of those guys and made a difference.  Made a difference as the get-on-the-floor guy, the energy guy, the guy that wouldn’t back down.

I’d like to think that rubbed off on Carmelo, at least in that rookie year.  ‘Melo outplayed LeBron James in 2003-04 and should have won Rookie of the Year honors.  For that season, we marveled at Anthony’s willingness to contribute to the Nuggets whether he was scoring or not.  He dug in on defense, handed out assists, did a lot of everything.

That Bowen has transitioned into the coaching ranks bolsters that belief.  We did see Anthony’s game change to the iso, offense-only version that he still employs.

Next: Denver Nuggets: What if we miss the playoffs?

It’s still endearing to see his goofy smile and it’s good that he’s involved with the franchise.