Denver Nuggets players who could contend for NBA awards

SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 20: Juan Hernangomez #41 of the Denver Nuggets grabs teammate Gary Harris #14 during an interview after the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 20, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets have never had very good luck with league-wide awards.

They have never had an MVP, just one Nugget has ever been picked for an All-NBA First Team(David Thompson twice), and in 42 years in the NBA, they have had 32 All-Stars. That’s an average of 0.76 All-Stars every year.

For comparison, the Los Angeles Lakers have had 8 MVP’s, 57 All-NBA First Team selections, and 137 All-Stars in 67 years in the NBA, or 2.04 All-Stars every year.

It’s safe to say the Nuggets are not the most celebrated franchise in NBA history.

But enough about history. Let’s look to the future. While the Nuggets have never had good luck with awards, this is the best group the Nuggets have had since 2009, and arguably since the 80s. There are many players on this team who could contend for NBA honors next season.

Let’s take a look at who they are.

(Note: All stats are via Basketball-Reference or NBA.com unless otherwise noted.)