1996–97 Denver Nuggets season

NBA professional basketball team season August 2023 March 2026 Denver Nuggets 1997 21 61 Midwest 5 12 Bernie Bickerstaff (resigned) Dick Motta Bernie Bickerstaff Allan Bristow Bernie Bickerstaff McNichols Sports Arena Did not qualify DEN KWGN-TV Fox Sports Rocky Mountain KKFN The 1996–97 Denver Nuggets season was the 21st season for the Denver Nuggets in the National Basketball Association, and their 30th season as a franchise. Denver Nuggets Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DEN/ August 6, 2026 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Nuggets acquired Mark Jackson and Ricky Pierce from the Indiana Pacers, Pacers Trade Jackson, Pierce to Denver United Press International June 13, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/06/13/Pacers-trade-Jackson-Pierce-to-Denver/6531834638400/ July 28, 2021 Associated Press Pro Basketball: Nuggets Trade Abdul-Rauf, Acquire Pacers' Jackson The New York Times June 14, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/14/sports/pro-basketball-nuggets-trade-abdul-rauf-acquire-pacers-jackson.html July 17, 2022 Associated Press In One of Two Deals, Abdul-Rauf Is Traded Los Angeles Times June 14, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-06-14-sp-14898-story.html July 17, 2022 acquired Šarūnas Marčiulionis from the Sacramento Kings, and signed free agents Ervin Johnson, Eric Murdock, Times News Services Grant Signs with Magic for $50 Million Los Angeles Times July 18, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-18-sp-25494-story.html November 9, 2022 C Ervin Johnson Signs with Nuggets United Press International July 23, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/23/C-Ervin-Johnson-signs-with-Nuggets/9921838094400/ January 18, 2022 Heisler Mark NBA Preview Los Angeles Times October 31, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-31-sp-59693-story.html January 30, 2023 and undrafted rookie power forward Darvin Ham; Murdock was later on released to free agency in November after just 12 games. Associated Press Jackson Can Shop Himself at a Whim Deseret News November 30, 1996 https://www.deseret.com/1996/11/30/19279992/jackson-can-shop-himself-at-a-whim April 6, 2023 Early into the regular season, the Nuggets signed Brooks Thompson, who was previously released by the Utah Jazz. Regular season With the addition of Jackson, Johnson and Pierce, the Nuggets lost 9 of their first 13 games of the regular season. After 13 games, Bernie Bickerstaff resigned as head coach and was replaced with Dick Motta. Motta Is a Winner in Debut with Nuggets The New York Times November 27, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/27/sports/motta-is-a-winner-in-debut-with-nuggets.html November 9, 2022 Associated Press Motta Steps in for Bickerstaff Los Angeles Times November 27, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-27-sp-3416-story.html April 4, 2023 The Nuggets then posted a 10-game losing streak, and later on held a 16–32 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 6, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=6&year=1997 January 2, 2023 At mid-season, the team traded Jackson and Ham to the Indiana Pacers, whom Jackson had previously played for, while Pierce was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for second-year guard Anthony Goldwire, and second-year center George Zidek. Brown Clifton Jackson Is Back with Pacers The New York Times February 21, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/21/sports/jackson-is-back-with-pacers.html January 4, 2023 Associated Press Trading Deadline Becomes Much Ado About a Little Los Angeles Times February 21, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-21-sp-30982-story.html September 17, 2022 Pacers Make Point in Re-Acquiring Jackson The Washington Post February 21, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/02/21/pacers-make-point-in-reacquiring-jackson/0f6abc14-8570-4dae-aa01-8db81c54d166/ June 21, 2023 The team also signed free agent and three-point specialist Kenny Smith, who won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets. Basketball Briefs Deseret News January 25, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/1997/1/25/19291344/basketball-briefs?_amp=true December 12, 2022 Wire Reports Griz End Winters of Their Discontent The Spokesman-Review January 25, 1997 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/jan/25/griz-end-winters-of-their-discontent/ May 1, 2023 Times Wire Services Nuggets Put Guard Smith on Injured List Los Angeles Times February 22, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-22-sp-31224-story.html June 30, 2022 The Nuggets struggled losing 26 of their final 30 games of the season, and finished in fifth place in the Midwest Division with a 21–61 record. 1996–97 Denver Nuggets Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DEN/1997_games.html June 28, 2021 LaPhonso Ellis had a stellar season, averaging 21.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, but only played 55 games due to knee injuries and a ruptured Achilles tendon, Associated Press Nuggets' Ellis Will Have Knee Surgery Los Angeles Times November 8, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-08-sp-62635-story.html October 4, 2022 Associated Press Suns Surging; LaPhonso Ellis Hurt Again Los Angeles Times April 5, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-04-05-sp-45501-story.html June 27, 2022 Associated Press Nuggets Look Overseas for Team Additions Deseret News April 7, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/1997/4/7/19305242/nuggets-look-overseas-for-team-additions February 4, 2023 while second-year star Antonio McDyess averaged 18.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, and Dale Ellis provided the team with 16.6 points per game, and led them with 192 three-point field goals. In addition, Bryant Stith contributed 14.9 points per game, but only played 52 games due to a foot injury, Injured Stith Unsure of Future Associated Press March 17, 2000 https://apnews.com/article/32252fd960883f1924a660b3d82ec6d9 October 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221004221618/https://apnews.com/article/32252fd960883f1924a660b3d82ec6d9 October 4, 2022 dead while Smith provided with 7.9 points and 3.1 assists per game in 33 games, and Goldwire contributed 7.3 points and 4.6 assists per game in 27 games after the trade. Meanwhile, Johnson averaged 7.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game, Thompson contributed 6.8 points and 2.8 assists per game, and Tom Hammonds provided with 6.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. 1996–97 Denver Nuggets Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DEN/1997.html June 28, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Dale Ellis participated in the NBA Three-Point Shootout, Fry Darrell On to the Next Stage Tampa Bay Times February 8, 1997 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/02/08/on-to-the-next-stage/ September 19, 2025 NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html September 19, 2025 while before the mid-season trade, Ham participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. LaPhonso Ellis finished tied in ninth place in Most Improved Player voting. 1996–97 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1997.html January 5, 2025 The Nuggets finished 28th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 340,486 at the McNichols Sports Arena during the regular season, which was the second-lowest in the league. 1996–97 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997.html January 22, 2026 Notable highlights On April 16, 1997, the Nuggets suffered a 44-point margin road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, 107–63 at the Rose Garden Arena. The Trail Blazers held the Nuggets to only just eight points in the first quarter, and later on held a 53–22 lead at halftime; the Nuggets struggled only shooting just .284 in field-goal percentage. Bulls Look for 70th, But Heat Find 60th  The Spokesman-Review  April 17, 1997  C5  https://books.google.com/books?id=sYA1AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA32&dq=1997+Portland+Trail+Blazers+Denver+Nuggets+107-63&article_id=6672,5011230&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjgkbuMuvqSAxU16ckDHQidF-cQ6AF6BAgIEAM#v=onepage&q=1997%20Portland%20Trail%20Blazers%20Denver%20Nuggets%20107-63&f=false February 27, 2026 Associated Press  Seattle Sweeps Hapless Nuggets  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  April 18, 1997  B6  https://books.google.com/books?id=-eZRAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA28&dq=1997+Portland+Trail+Blazers+Denver+Nuggets+107-63&article_id=4579,1432917&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwityLPc4K-VAxWVq4kEHWmTAuoQ6AF6BAgKEAM#v=onepage&q=1997%20Portland%20Trail%20Blazers%20Denver%20Nuggets%20107-63&f=false June 30, 2026 Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers Box Score, April 16, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704160POR.html February 27, 2026 Aftermath Following the season, McDyess was traded to the Phoenix Suns in a three-team trade, Berger Ken Nuggets Send McDyess to Phoenix Associated Press October 1, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/806e4ff7a62141a2ffea2903428a8956 October 29, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170417/https://apnews.com/article/806e4ff7a62141a2ffea2903428a8956 September 20, 2022 dead Associated Press Plus: In the News -- Pro Basketball: McDyess to Suns in Three-Team Deal The New York Times October 2, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/02/sports/plus-in-the-news-pro-basketball-mcdyess-to-suns-in-three-team-deal.html December 4, 2022 Staff and Wire Reports Suns Make Trade for McDyess Los Angeles Times October 2, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-02-sp-38410-story.html December 4, 2022 while Dale Ellis was traded back to his former team, the Seattle SuperSonics, Dale Ellis Joins SuperSonics, Again Associated Press October 2, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/9d666f55fa49e6827a4cf14792c4aa3d December 27, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221228023739/https://apnews.com/article/9d666f55fa49e6827a4cf14792c4aa3d December 28, 2022 dead Wire Reports Sonics Trade for Ellis The Spokesman-Review October 3, 1997 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/oct/03/sonics-trade-for-ellis/ October 7, 2022 Wallingford John Sonics: Long-Range Bomber Ellis Returns a "Changed Man" Kitsap Sun October 3, 1997 https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/1997/10-03/0016_sonics__long-range_bomber_ellis_r.html December 30, 2021 and Johnson was dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks on draft day. Wise Mike After Duncan, Utah Forward Steals Show The New York Times June 26, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/26/sports/after-duncan-utah-forward-steals-show.html June 27, 2022 Heisler Mark Draft Over, But Not Finished Los Angeles Times June 26, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-26-sp-7002-story.html October 22, 2022 Cotton Anthony No. 1 Pick Turns Duncan into Spur of Moment The Washington Post June 26, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/06/26/no-1-pick-turns-duncan-into-spur-of-moment/0d3bc16e-a289-4cf0-be77-fd196c6e35d7/ January 8, 2023 Meanwhile, Hammonds signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the next season, Associated Press The Houston Rockets, Who Will Be Without... Los Angeles Times November 26, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-26-sp-57886-story.html July 12, 2022 Facer Dick 24-Second Clock Deseret News November 30, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/1997/11/30/19348738/24-second-clock February 4, 2023 Smith and Marčiulionis both retired, Thompson was released to free agency, and Motta was fired as head coach. Mossman John Nuggets Clean House Following Disastrous Season Associated Press April 21, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/45fcf398cacc8c7c9ba8d27b16f2d768 February 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230205003822/https://apnews.com/article/45fcf398cacc8c7c9ba8d27b16f2d768 February 5, 2023 dead Associated Press Nuggets Fire Motta and His Staff The New York Times April 22, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/22/sports/nuggets-fire-motta-and-his-staff.html November 9, 2022 Draft picks 1996 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality School/Club team 1 23 Efthimios Rentzias C PAOK 2 37 Jeff McInnis PG/SG North Carolina Roster Denver Nuggets 1996–97 #002147 #CBA135 #A50021 #FFFFFF 53 Jerome Allen basketball G 6 4 184 1973–01–28 Penn 17 Vincent Askew G 6 6 210 1966–02–28 Memphis 3 Dale Ellis F 6 7 205 1960–08–06 Tennessee 20 LaPhonso Ellis F 6 8 240 1970–05–05 Notre Dame yes 5 Anthony Goldwire G 6 1 182 1971–09–06 Houston 21 Tom Hammonds F 6 9 215 1967–03–27 Georgia Tech 50 Ervin Johnson C 6 11 245 1967–12–21 New Orleans 13 Jimmy King G 6 5 210 1973–08–09 Michigan 8 Šarūnas Marčiulionis G 6 5 200 1964–06–13 Lithuania yes 24 Antonio McDyess F 6 9 220 1974–09–07 Alabama 30 Kenny Smith G 6 3 170 1965–03–08 North Carolina 23 Bryant Stith G 6 5 208 1970–12–10 Virginia 6 Brooks Thompson G 6 4 193 1970–07–19 Oklahoma State 25 George Zidek C 7 0 250 1973–08–02 UCLA Bernie Bickerstaff (resigned) Dick Motta Jim Brovelli Gene Littles https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DEN/1997.html April 6, 1997 Roster Notes Point guard Eric Murdock was waived on November 26, 1996. Regular season Season standings DEN DEN z - clinched division title y - clinched division title x - clinched playoff spot Game log January 2011 Player statistics Regular season Player GP GS MPG FG% 3FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPGLaPhonso Ellis554936.4.439.367.7737.02.40.80.721.9Antonio McDyess747334.7.463.171.7087.31.40.81.718.3Dale Ellis825135.9.414.364.8173.62.00.70.116.6Bryant Stith525234.4.416.385.8634.22.61.20.414.9Mark Jackson525238.5.425.397.8015.212.31.00.210.4Ricky Pierce331018.2.462.308.9021.60.90.40.210.2Kenny Smith33319.8.422.425.8541.13.10.50.07.9Anthony Goldwire272122.7.392.394.8161.74.60.50.07.3Ervin Johnson828231.7.520.000.61511.10.90.82.87.1Brooks Thompson65616.1.400.398.6321.52.80.80.06.8Sarunas Marciulionis17015.0.376.367.8061.81.50.70.16.8Tom Hammonds81821.7.480.000.7215.00.80.20.36.2Aaron Williams1010.0.6005.00.00.03.06.0Vincent Askew109.0.6671.0000.00.00.00.06.0Jeff McInnis1309.0.469.462.7000.51.40.20.15.0Eric Murdock1209.5.455.400.9170.92.00.80.23.8George Zidek1605.5.485.8001.40.30.10.03.3Jimmy King2011.0.333.5001.01.01.50.03.0Jerome Allen25010.0.284.206.6001.31.70.20.22.6Elmer Bennett5011.8.308.333.5000.61.40.40.02.4Darvin Ham3538.9.525.4851.60.40.20.22.3Melvin Booker504.2.500.5000.20.60.00.01.0LaSalle Thompson1706.2.188.5001.50.00.20.40.4 Player statistics citation: Awards and records January 2011 Transactions January 2011 References See also 1996-97 NBA season Category:Denver Nuggets seasons Category:1996 in sports in Colorado Category:1997 in sports in Colorado Denver Nug