1995–96 Denver Nuggets season


The 1995–96 NBA season was the Nuggets' 20th season in the National Basketball Association, and 29th season as a franchise. During the offseason, the Nuggets acquired rookie Antonio McDyess from the Los Angeles Clippers, and Don MacLean from the Washington Bullets. However, they got off to a horrible start losing eight of their first nine games, as LaPhonso Ellis missed the first 37 games of the season with a knee injury.
In March, the Nuggets found themselves in the middle of an ugly controversy as Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the Star-Spangled Banner, protesting what he felt was the country's poor treatment to Muslims in the world. After a one-game suspension, Abdul-Rauf agreed to stand and pray during the anthem. However, the damage was done, and his reputation could not be repaired as he was the consistent target of boos from fans before missing the remainder of the season with a foot injury. The Nuggets finished fourth in the Midwest Division with a 35–47 record. McDyess was named to the All-Rookie First Team, and Dikembe Mutombo was selected for the 1996 NBA All-Star Game.
Following the season, Abdul-Rauf was traded to the Sacramento Kings, Mutombo signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Hawks, second-year guard Jalen Rose and Reggie Williams were both dealt to the Indiana Pacers, and MacLean was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Draft picks

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalitySchool/Club Team
115Brent Barry Shooting guardUnited StatesOregon State
244Anthony PelleCenterUnited StatesFresno State

Roster

Regular season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Player statistics

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3FG%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG

Awards, records, and honors