7 Basketball Players who Played for Thunder 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 Oklahoma City Thunder 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 Thunder and the Nuggets.
Carmelo Anthony
After a successful college career at Syracuse University, which included a national championship in 2003, Carmelo Anthony was picked third overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA Draft.
In Denver, Anthony became one of the league’s top scorers, leading the Nuggets to multiple playoff berths. His time in Denver culminated in a Western Conference Finals run in 2009. In 2011, he was traded to the New York Knicks, where he continued his scoring prowess and was selected to multiple All-Star games.
Over his career, Anthony has been selected to ten NBA All-Star Games and has been named to the All-NBA Team six times. Internationally, he has won three gold medals with Team USA at the Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016), becoming the team’s all-time leading scorer in the process.
Anthony Key Stats
- All-NBA (Nuggets, Knicks)
- All-Star (Nuggets, Knicks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Nuggets, Knicks)
Dale Ellis
Dale Ellis was selected 9th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1983 NBA Draft after a standout college career at the University of Tennessee. Over his 17-season NBA career, he played for six different teams: the Mavericks, SuperSonics, Spurs, Bucks, Nuggets, and Hornets.
The 6’7″ shooting guard/small forward really found his stride when he was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1986. In the 1986-87 season, he won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award after averaging 24.9 points per game, up from his previous season’s average of 7.1 points.
He was named an All-Star in 1989 and finished his career with over 19,000 points, having shot 40.3 percent from three-point range.
Ellis Key Stats
- All-NBA (Supersonics)
- All-Star (Supersonics)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Supersonics)
Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson was known as a tenacious point guard during his NBA career, spanning from 1988 to 2004, earning a reputation for his leadership and toughness on the court.
His most significant accomplishment as a player came during his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs. In the 1999 NBA Finals, Johnson’s clutch performance was highlighted by hitting the game-winning shot in Game 5, securing the Spurs their first championship.
Despite being undrafted, his perseverance, grit, and clutch play allowed him to carve out an impressive 16-year career in the NBA.
Johnson Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Spurs, Warriors)
Jeff Green
Jeff Green has played for numerous teams in the NBA. He was initially drafted 5th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2007 NBA Draft, though he was immediately traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he spent the first part of his career.
Green has had a journeyman career, playing for 11 different teams in his 15-year career including the Thunder, Celtics, Grizzlies, Clippers, Magic, Cavaliers, Wizards, Jazz, Rockets, Nets, and Nuggets. He was a solid contributor to the Nuggets Championship this past season.
Green’s versatility and ability to play both inside and outside have allowed him to fit into various roles on different teams. He’s been both a starter and a valuable bench player throughout his career, contributing with his scoring, rebounding, and ability to defend multiple positions.
Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson was selected 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2005 NBA Draft but was promptly traded to the New York Knicks. With the Knicks, he quickly became a fan favorite due to his energetic plays and ability to score against much taller opponents.
His time in New York showcased his talents, and Robinson became a three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion in 2006, 2009, and 2010.
Throughout his NBA career, Robinson played for multiple teams (8 in total), including the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Denver Nuggets, among others. Regardless of the team, his fearless approach and knack for making big plays in crucial moments remained consistent.
DJ Augustin
Following an impressive sophomore year at the University of Texas, where he averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 assists, DJ Augustin was drafted 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Over his NBA career, Augustin has displayed strong playmaking and shooting skills, particularly his three-point shooting. For example, during the 2013-2014 season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 14.9 points per game and shot an impressive 41.1% from the three-point line.
A journeyman in the league, Augustin has played for multiple teams (11 in total), consistently contributing off the bench. He’s had several seasons where he averaged double-digit points and solid assists numbers, like in the 2010-2011 season where he averaged 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Bobcats.
Augustin Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bobcats, Magic)
Earl Watson
Earl Watson was a player who spent significant time in the NBA as a point guard and later transitioned into coaching. Known for his leadership, toughness, and basketball IQ, Watson carved out a steady career as a role player and floor general.
Watson was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft. Over the course of his playing career, he played for various NBA teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Indiana Pacers.
Though not a prolific scorer, Watson made his mark through his ability to distribute the ball, play solid defense, and provide leadership on and off the court.
Watson Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Grizzlies, Supersonics, Thunder, Pacers)
