The Team of Misfit Toys

You all remember that Nuggets team that upset the Sonics in the early 90's right? The image of Deke lying on his back in the lane, holding the ball in his outstretched arms and smiling the biggest smile of his career is in the mind of every NBA fan.



But looking back at that Nuggets team, it is clear that their surprising playoff run was the apex of the many "promising talents" on Denver squad that year. With the exception of Mutumbo and a fellow then known as Brian Williams, the main guys, Ellis, Abdul-Rauf, Reggie Williams and Robert Pack, never were main guys again. Rodney Rodgers had some very good years, but none as good as his then 'potential' suggested. These guys were a motley band of journey men misfits.

Check out the roster of that Nuggets team (1993-94)

That was an upcoming team of youngsters that completey imploded due to injuries and chemistry problems over the next few seasons. The Nugs drafted Jalen Rose that summer. I had been pretty excited to see that Denver team grow. Looking at the roster in retrospect, these misfits were never going to be that good. Fun to read some of those names, though. Especially going into March Madness.