14 Players the Denver Nuggets gave up on way too soon

By Tyler Watts | Aug 10, 2023

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, Avery Johnson (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

13. Avery Johnson

Johnson produced some otherworldly college stats, but he went undrafted in 1988. He was signed by the Sonics and played two seasons as a reserve point guard before being traded to Denver for a conditional second-round draft pick that was never conveyed.

Johnson’s tenure with the Nuggets lasted just 21 games before he was waived on Dec. 24, 1990. Denver would win just 20 games that season and had the worst record in the NBA. The 5’10 guard caught on with the Spurs in January where he showed flashes and even played in three playoff games.

Johnson played for three different teams in the next three seasons before catching on with the Spurs in 1994 where he was their starting point guard for six straight years. He helped them win the championship in 1999 and make three conference finals appearances. Johnson even sank the title clincher in 1999.

Through Avery Johnson’s prime, the Denver Nuggets made just two playoff appearances as they struggled to find a consistent starting point guard. Giving up on Johnson after just 21 games as a 25-year-old proved to be a mistake as he remained a starting point guard on a contender until his mid-30s.

The Nuggets signed Johnson back in free agency in 2001 before trading him to the Mavericks at the deadline just seven months later.