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14 Players the Denver Nuggets gave up on way too soon

By Tyler Watts

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. 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. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. 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. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets, Bobby Jones (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

4. Bobby Jones

Jones played his first two years for the Denver Nuggets in the ABA where he was an All-Star in 1976 before coming with the franchise to the NBA. The 6’9 forward made two straight All-Star appearances after the switch as the Nuggets made two playoff runs, including reaching the conference finals in 1978. Jones led the league in field goal percentage and he was among the top defenders.

The Nuggets traded the future Hall of Famer in 1978 in a blockbuster deal. Jones, Ralph Sampson and one first-round pick where sent to Philadelphia for George McGinnis and a first-round pick. McGinnis spent just over one year in Denver before being traded to Indiana for Alex English and a draft choice.

Bobby Jones made two All-Star appearances and six All-Defensive teams during his time in Philadelphia as he helped the Sixers win the championship in 1983. The 76ers were in the hunt every year that the 6’9 forward was on their roster, including making the NBA Finals three times.

The Denver Nuggets missed his defense, energy, and effort as they won just one playoff series and missed the postseason twice over the next six seasons. Ultimately, this trade resulted in Denver getting Alex English, who was one of the best players in franchise history, but they certainly gave up on Bobby Jones too soon.