The 1992–93 Denver Nuggets season was the franchise’s 17th season in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team compiled a 36–46 win–loss record, finishing fourth in the Midwest Division and missing the playoffs.
Season Overview
- Head coach: Paul Westhead (served the full season)
- General manager: Dan Issel
- Home arena: McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
- Division rank: 4th in the Midwest Division
- Conference rank: 10th in the Western Conference (did not qualify for the postseason)
Regular‑season performance
- Record: 36 wins, 46 losses (.439 winning percentage)
- Points per game (team): 103.2 (30th in the league)
- Points allowed per game (team): 106.9 (22nd)
Key players and statistical leaders
| Player | Position | Games played | Points per game | Rebounds per game | Assists per game | Blocks per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahmoud Abdul‑Rauf (formerly Chris Jackson) | Guard | 82 | 19.5 | 2.4 | 4.9 | — |
| Dikembe Mutombo | Center | 78 | 11.1 | 13.0 | 1.5 | 3.9* |
| LaPhonso Ellis | Forward | 81 | 14.0 | 7.6 | 1.2 | — |
| Reggie Williams | Guard | 77 | 9.6 | 2.1 | 2.5 | — |
| Bryant Stith | Guard | 74 | 9.9 | 2.0 | 2.5 | — |
* Mutombo’s block average ranked second in the NBA and earned him a place on the NBA All‑Defensive Second Team.
Draft selections
- LaPhonso Ellis, forward, selected 3rd overall in the 1992 NBA Draft.
- Bryant Stith, guard, selected 6th overall in the 1992 NBA Draft.
- Additional second‑round picks included John Coker (53rd overall) and Chris McCray (55th overall).
Notable transactions
- The Nuggets entered the season with a roster largely unchanged from the previous year, retaining key pieces such as Mutombo, Abdul‑Rauf, and forward Jeff Hodge.
- No major mid‑season trades involving primary contributors were recorded.
Awards and honors
- Dikembe Mutombo – NBA All‑Defensive Second Team
- Mahmoud Abdul‑Rauf – NBA All‑Star Weekend participant in the Three‑Point Contest (did not advance to final round)
Season significance
The 1992–93 campaign marked the Nuggets’ first losing season after a brief period of playoff contention in 1990–91 and 1991–92. The team’s defensive identity, anchored by Mutombo’s shot‑blocking, remained a focal point, but offensive inefficiencies contributed to their sub‑ .500 record. The draft acquisitions of Ellis and Stith were intended to bolster scoring and athleticism moving forward.
References
- NBA.com, 1992‑93 regular‑season statistical leaders.
- Basketball‑Reference.com, 1992‑93 Denver Nuggets season summary and player statistics.
- Denver Nuggets media guides, 1992–93 season.
