Basketball Players who Played for Suns and Nuggets
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Suns and the Nuggets.
Antonio McDyess
Antonio McDyess began his NBA journey when he was selected 2nd overall by the Clippers in the 1995 NBA Draft. He was quickly traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he showcased his potential as one of the league’s rising stars. With the Nuggets, McDyess developed a reputation as a high-flying forward with a relentless work ethic.
His impressive play with Denver led to stints with the Suns, Knicks, Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs. While injuries slowed him down at various points in his career, McDyess continued to reinvent himself, transitioning from a primary scoring option to a key role player.
One of the highlights of McDyess’s career was during his time with the Detroit Pistons, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s deep playoff runs in the mid-2000s. He provided the Pistons with a strong interior presence, complementing the core of Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, and Rasheed Wallace.
McDyess Key Stats
- All-NBA (Nuggets)
- All-Star (Nuggets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Nuggets)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Nuggets)
Torrey Craig
Torrey Craig was undrafted but worked his way into the league after playing professionally overseas and in the NBA G League. Craig made his NBA debut with the Denver Nuggets during the 2017-2018 season. Known for his defensive prowess and hustle, Craig has carved out a role in the league as a valuable role player.
One of his career highlights came during the 2020-2021 season when he played for both NBA Finals teams, the Bucks and the Suns, in the same season. He was traded from the Bucks to the Suns during the season, then faced his former team in the Finals.
He actually won an NBA championship ring with the Milwaukee Bucks, despite playing for the Suns during the Finals, due to the league’s rules about receiving a ring if traded during the championship season.
*Craig was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 27)
Jalen Rose
Jalen Rose had a successful 13-year career in the NBA. Rose was selected 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1994 NBA Draft, and had stints with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks.
Rose’s most successful years came with the Pacers, where he played a vital role in the team reaching the NBA Finals in 2000. That season, he averaged 18.2 points per game and proved himself to be a strong performer in the playoffs.
Post-retirement, Rose transitioned to a media career and has become a prominent sports analyst. Rose also established the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a public charter school in his hometown of Detroit, underscoring his commitment to educational reform and community service.
Rose Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers, Bulls)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nuggets, Pacers, Bulls, Raptors)
Ish Smith
Ish Smith was drafted as the 17th pick in the second round of the 2010 NBA Development League Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Though he went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, he made his NBA debut later that year with the Houston Rockets.
Primarily known as a journeyman point guard and a valuable role player, Smith’s quickness and ability to distribute the ball have been his standout attributes.
Over his NBA career, Smith has played for an incredible 13 different teams, including the Grizzlies, Warriors, Magic, 76ers, Pistons, Wizards, Hornets and Pistons (and that’s barely over half!).
Smith Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (76ers, Pelicans, Pistons, Wizards)
