The Denver Nuggets began its history in the ABA before coming over to the NBA in 1976. Denver has fielded several quality teams but had never made it to the NBA finals. That changed in 2023 as the Nuggets will now face off against the Miami Heat in this year's championship series. Many renowned players have suited up for the Nuggets and here are some of their most sought-after rookie cards.

Alex English 1979 Topps 

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First drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, Alex English had trouble reaching his full potential during his first few years in the league. That changed in 1980 when he was traded to the Nuggets. The scoring machine would go on to leaded the league in points per game in 1983 and would play in eight All-Star games.

English was one of the first players to be deeply connected to the Nuggets. Denver retired his number in 1992 and English was named to the NBA Hall of Fame in 1997. The small forward's first card comes in the 1979 Topps set and can be had in a PSA 9 for between $250 and $300.

Fat Lever 1986 Fleer

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Lafayette Lever was drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 1982. After two years in Portland, 'Fat' was traded to Denver where he became one of the league's best point guards. While he was only 6-3, Lever regularly averaged more than 8 rebounds a game and recorded 43 triple-doubles over the course of his career.

Lever spent 6 years in Denver, making two All-Star teams as well as an All-Defense Second team. The Nuggets retired his number 17 in 2017. Fat's rookie card comes in the iconic 86 Fleer set and sells for $900 in a PSA 10.

Dikembe Mutombo 1991 Upper Deck 

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In the 1991 NBA Draft, the Nuggets selected Dikembe Mutombo from Georgetown. He was a force right away, making the NBA All-Star team in his rookie year, the first of 8 appearances. Mutombo was a dominant defensive player and went on to help the Nuggets secure a stunning playoff upset against the Seattle Supersonics in 1994.

While with the Nuggets, the center would win his first Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1995. He would win the award 3 more times over the course of his Hall of Fame career. Mutombo's most notable rookie card comes in the 1991 Upper Deck set and sells for around $100 in a PSA 10.

Carmelo Anthony 2003 Topps Chrome

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The Nuggets landed the 3rd overall pick in the legendary 2003 Draft. Luckily for them, the Pistons took Darko Milicic 2nd overall and Denver was able to select Carmelo Anthony, fresh off a Championship at Syracuse. During his career with the Nuggets, Anthony would play in 4 All-Star games with the Nuggets and help the team regularly make the playoffs.

Anthony would eventually be traded to the Knicks, but the players and picks Denver received in the deal helped to build the team they are today. Anthony's best rookie, the 2003 Topps Chrome, sells for $150.

Nikola Jokic 2015 Panini Prizm

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In the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft, the Nuggets selected a 19-year-old Serbian center. They must have knowm something the rest of the league didn't. Nikola Jokic has developed into one of the premier players in the NBA, making 5 All-Star teams and winning two MVP Awards.

Now, 'Joker' has helped the Nuggets reach the NBA finals for the first time. With the national exposure Jokic is now getting, his rookie cards will surely be on the rise. The center's first Panini Prizm card is selling briskly online in a PSA 10 for more than $1,000.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.