In a riveting tale of towering defenders, two of the NBA’s premier shot blockers have etched their names atop Denver’s career blocks list. Dikembe Mutombo, the towering force selected by the Nuggets with the No. 4 pick in the 1991 Draft, wasted no time establishing himself as a defensive stalwart in the league. Mutombo’s rookie season saw him secure a spot in the All-Star game and finish as the runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors. His dominance on the defensive end culminated in being named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1995, the first of four times he would earn the prestigious award.
During his illustrious five-year tenure with the Nuggets, Mutombo terrorized opponents with his shot-blocking prowess, averaging an impressive 3.8 blocks per game. His rim-protecting abilities led the league in blocks three times, with a peak of 4.5 blocks per game during the 1995-96 season. Mutombo’s record-breaking performance came in a memorable game against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 18, 1993, where he swatted away an astonishing 12 shots, one of his 13 double-digit block games in his storied career.
Meanwhile, Marcus Camby, the No. 2 overall pick in the 1996 Draft by the Toronto Raptors, solidified his status as a defensive force during his time with the Nuggets. After brief stints with the Raptors and the Knicks, Camby found his home in Denver, where he blossomed into a defensive stalwart. His crowning achievement came during the 2006-07 season when he was crowned the Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his shot-blocking prowess.
Throughout his tenure with the Nuggets, Camby averaged an impressive 3.0 blocks per game, peaking at 3.6 blocks during the 2007-08 season. His imposing presence in the paint was highlighted by his career-high 11 blocks in a game, achieved twice during his time in the NBA. Camby’s defensive excellence was further emphasized by his ability to record four games with double-digit blocks, solidifying his legacy as one of the premier shot-blockers in Nuggets history.
Transitioning to the past, we delve into the career of Wayne Cooper, a defensive maestro who graced the court with his shot-blocking prowess for the Nuggets. After an odyssey through various NBA teams, Cooper found himself in Denver, where he established himself as a defensive anchor for the franchise. Over his five-year tenure with the Nuggets, Cooper displayed his shot-blocking acumen, averaging an impressive 2.4 blocks per game.
Cooper’s defensive zenith came during the 1985-86 season when he notched a single-season high of 2.9 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to protect the rim with aplomb. His shot-blocking legacy was cemented by his incredible single-game performance of 10 blocks, achieved in a game during the 1988 season, underscoring his standing as one of the top shot blockers in Nuggets history.
The Nuggets’ shot-blocking pantheon wouldn’t be complete without Chris “Birdman” Andersen, the undrafted gem who soared to new heights with his defensive prowess. Andersen’s journey to the NBA was marked by perseverance, culminating in two impactful stints with the Nuggets from 2001-2004 and 2008-2012. Over his seven seasons and 378 appearances with the organization, Andersen showcased his shot-blocking prowess, averaging 1.7 blocks in just 17.4 minutes per game.
Andersen’s defensive apex came during the 2008-09 season when he averaged an impressive 2.5 blocks per game, highlighting his ability to protect the rim with tenacity. His career-high eight blocks in a game against the Utah Jazz on April 2, 2009, further solidified his reputation as a defensive stalwart. Andersen’s knack for blocking shots was underscored by his 28 games with at least five blocks, showcasing his defensive impact on the court.
Last but certainly not least, we turn to the legendary Alex English, a scoring savant who also made his mark on the defensive end during his tenure with the Nuggets. English, known for his offensive prowess, led the NBA in scoring during the 1982-83 season with an impressive 28.4 points per game. However, English’s defensive contributions should not be overlooked, as he averaged 0.7 blocks over his 11 seasons with the Nuggets, reaching a career-high of 1.5 blocks per game in both the 1981-82 and 1982-83 seasons.
English’s shot-blocking acumen was on full display during an unforgettable game against the Indiana Pacers on December 28, 1982, where he recorded a career-high six blocks in an overtime victory. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor solidified his status as one of the greatest Nuggets of all time, underscoring the multifaceted skill set that defined his illustrious career.