Nugg Love
Fansided

Denver Nuggets: Top six “glue guys” since 2000

By Kevin Oestreicher

DENVER - DECEMBER 3: Nene #31 and Chauncey Billups #1 of the Denver Nuggets sit prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 3, 2010 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 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER - DECEMBER 3: Nene #31 and Chauncey Billups #1 of the Denver Nuggets sit prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 3, 2010 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 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 7
Next
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 15: Jameer Nelson #1 and Mike Miller #3 of the Denver Nuggets are seen during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 15, 2016 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 15: Jameer Nelson #1 and Mike Miller #3 of the Denver Nuggets are seen during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 15, 2016 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /

 The Denver Nuggets have had some incredible veterans who have held teams together over the years.

Every team needs a glue guy. Someone who can step up and lead a young squad, or someone who knows what it takes to get through the rough patches. Someone who can be a leader, and who leads by example.

Every player that a team brings in has an impact, but glue guys have a monumental influence on a team. A team can have tons of stars and quality players, but without the glue to hold them together, they won’t mesh.

The Nuggets have been exceptional at having an eye for players like this. They understand that a perfect roster should be assembled with young guys as well as veterans who can lead and teach. They find a way to bring in well-liked, respected veterans, and while some might not play many minutes, their impact goes beyond their playing time.

These five players were instrumental to the teams they played on, and shaped the way that the Nuggets played for years. They taught valuable lessons, as well as performed on the court with their opportunities. Without them, who knows what the Nuggets would look like today, or what lessons the young players would have learned.