In a recent interview, former Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl proposed that the franchise retire the number 15 jersey in honor of both Carmelo Anthony and Nikola Jokic.
From 2005 until 2013, Karl led the Nuggets as their head coach. In his final season, he was named NBA Coach of the Year. Karl has a 423-257 record in Denver. But in Karl’s tenure, the Nuggets only advanced past the opening round of the NBA Playoffs once (2008–09).
The first seven and a half seasons of Anthony’s career were played for the Nuggets. He was chosen for the All-NBA team four times and was an NBA All-Star four times during that time. Most people view Anthony’s time with the Nuggets as a success. It’s notable, though, that he never took the team to the NBA Finals. In any case, the former Syracuse player is regarded as one of the best Nuggets players in franchise history.
Jokic’s career with the Nuggets has had a slightly greater influence. Jokic led the squad to its first-ever championship in 2023 and is a two-time NBA MVP in his nine seasons with the organization.
Former Denver Nuggets Head Coach Offers An Unusual Suggestion
It’s Been Experienced Previously
There have been rare occasions where a team retired the same jersey number for more than one player. The NBA announced in 2022 that Bill Russell’s number six jersey would be retired league-wide. The No. 6 has been retired independently by the Phoenix Suns (Walter Davis), Philadelphia 76ers (Julius Erving), San Antonio Spurs (Avery Johnson), and Orlando Magic (sixth man).
In addition, there have been two distinct instances where a team has retired the jersey number of a player who was on the squad. In honor of Dick McGuire and Earl Monroe, the New York Knicks have retired the number 15. In addition, Terry Porter and Bob Gross’s number 30 was retired by the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Final Word on Carmelo Anthony and Nikola Jokic
With regard to number 15, the Denver Nuggets find themselves in an unusual situation. Jokic and Anthony both merit the recognition. It’s conceivable that Jokic and Anthony will both be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The two greatest Nuggets of all time have recently discussed Jokic donning the number following Anthony’s Nuggets run. Anthony thinks Jokic was given the number 15 by the Nuggets to get even with him.
It was a small-minded move. There was no “Oh, we have numbers to choose from.” “Here, take this one, you got fifteen,” was the message. You all placed Jokić in the center of that. He has no idea what the f–k is happening.
“Maybe he was attempting to show respect, I’m not sure. However, I think they gave him No. 15 so he could try to take back what I did.
Jokic confirmed, saying, “I think I’ve been wearing 15 my whole life,” indicating he had actually worn the number 15 his entire life.
It could be best to withdraw the number for both players in the end.
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