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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) /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 27: Nene #31 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Aaron Gray #34 of the Toronto Raptors on January 27, 2012 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 2012 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 27: Nene #31 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Aaron Gray #34 of the Toronto Raptors on January 27, 2012 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 2012 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Glue Guy #2: Nenê Hilario (2002-2012)

Nenê was part of the Nuggets for 10 seasons, and although he started off as a rookie, he developed into a key veteran presence and a leader. He was well respected by all of his teammates, and was someone with a high basketball IQ. He was eager to teach, both through words and by showing his on the court. During his time in Denver, Nenê averaged 12.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists per game. He also averaged 1.3 steals, showing his value on the defensive end as well.

Nenê was well liked by everyone in Denver. He was always calm, and took everything one step at a time. He would help teammates who would get overwhelmed, and would help them understand things they didn’t understand.

Nenê understood when teammates needed help, or when something new could be overwhelming. He came to the NBA after growing up in Brazil, and even playing 3 years professionally there. Nenê had to adjust to a new country and new surroundings on the fly, which he did exceptionally well.

He also had to face adversity. In 2008, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and had a tumor removed. He missed 37 games during this time, but made a full recovery. His teammates were behind him every step of the way. From ESPN:

"(Allen) Iverson said. “This whole thing is so much bigger than basketball. This is life. All we can do is be there to support him and be a phone call away if he needs us.”"

Nenê showed his teammates that you can overcome anything. He was a leader, and helped the Nuggets make the playoffs time and time again.