The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado, competing in the NBA’s Western Conference. Founded in 1967 as the Denver Larks, the franchise quickly changed its name to the Denver Rockets before settling on the Nuggets in 1974 in anticipation of joining the NBA from the American Basketball Association (ABA)[1][3]. The Nuggets were one of the four ABA teams to join the NBA in the 1976 merger and have been a consistent playoff contender since. Historically, the Nuggets experienced strong runs in both the ABA and NBA. In the ABA, they made the 1976 Finals but lost to the New York Nets. After the merger, they achieved notable success in the late 1970s with stars like Dan Issel and David Thompson, reaching the Western Conference Finals in 1978[3]. The franchise's identity evolved visually with logos reflecting Colorado’s mining heritage and the Rocky Mountains, culminating in a modern logo introduced in 2018 featuring crossed pickaxes and a mountain peak[2]. A defining moment came in 2023 when the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić—a two-time MVP and five-time All-Star—and Jamal Murray, won their first NBA championship by defeating the Miami Heat. This victory made them the last former ABA team to reach and win the NBA Finals, marking a historic milestone for the franchise[1][2][3]. In the seasons following the championship, the Nuggets underwent significant organizational changes, including firing head coach Michael Malone and reshaping their roster to maximize Jokić’s impact. Key acquisitions like Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr., alongside contract extensions for young talent such as Christian Braun, illustrate the team's strategic focus on sustained competitiveness[4]. As of the 2025-26 season, the Nuggets remain a strong team with Jokić leading in rebounds and assists, supported by a solid roster[5][6]. The Denver Nuggets stand out as