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Fansided

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, J.R. Smith (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

11. J.R. Smith

Smith was a first-round pick directly out of high school by the Hornets in 2004. He spent two years with the franchise where he struggled and clashed with head coach Bryon Scott before being traded twice in the 2006 offseason. The second deal landed him in Denver on a team with Carmelo Anthony that had made the playoffs three straight years.

Smith got his first playoff experience in Denver, and he helped the Nuggets reach the conference finals. The 6’6 wing played a consistent role off the bench and even finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2009. He clashed with head coach George Karl during his time in Denver, and ultimately left during the lockout in 2011 after five straight playoff appearances.

Smith played in China during the lockout before joining the Knicks in 2012. He won Sixth Man of the Year in 2013 and helped New York reach the playoffs two straight years. Smith joined the Cavaliers in 2015 where he played in four straight NBA Finals and won a championship next to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. He won a second ring with the Lakers inside the bubble in 2020.

J.R. Smith continued to be what he was in Denver for nine years after he left. He made shots and offered scoring punch off the bench to multiple contending teams. His feud with coach Karl rages on to this day, but the Nuggets gave up on the talented wing too soon.