1997–98 Denver Nuggets season

Last updated • 3 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

1997–98   Denver Nuggets season
Head coach Bill Hanzlik
General manager
Arena McNichols Sports Arena
Results
Record11–71 (.134)
PlaceDivision: 7th (Midwest)
Conference: 14th (Western)
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
Television
Radio KKFN
< 1996–97 1998–99 >

The 1997–98 NBA season was the Nuggets’ 22nd season in the National Basketball Association, and 31st season as a franchise. [1] The Nuggets received the fifth overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, and selected Tony Battie out of Texas Tech University. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] During the off-season, the team acquired Eric Williams from the Boston Celtics, [7] [8] [9] acquired Johnny Newman, Joe Wolf and top draft pick Danny Fortson out of the University of Cincinnati from the Milwaukee Bucks, [2] [3] [4] first round draft pick Bobby Jackson from the Seattle SuperSonics, [10] second round draft pick Eric Washington from the Orlando Magic, [10] and signed free agent Dean Garrett. [11] [12] [13] However, Williams suffered a devastating knee injury after only just four games, and was out for the remainder of the season, averaging 19.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, [14] [15] [16] while Bryant Stith only played just 31 games due to ankle and foot injuries. [17] At midseason, the team signed free agent Cory Alexander, who was previously released by the San Antonio Spurs. [18]

Contents

The Nuggets set numerous unwanted records during this season, which started off with the team losing their first twelve games under new head coach, former Nuggets player Bill Hanzlik. [19] [20] [21] The Nuggets finished with the league's worst record at 11–71, which was also the team's worst record in franchise history. [22] Their eleven wins equaled the third-fewest in an 82-game NBA season along with the 1992–93 Dallas Mavericks, and just like the Mavericks were for a long time viewed as likely to beat the 1972–73 Philadelphia 76ers record of winning only nine games in a full season, and the 2015–16 76ers, who only won just ten games. Incidentally, the NFL's Denver Broncos had won the Super Bowl earlier in 1998 and would go towards the Super Bowl again in the same year when this occurred. [23] [24]

After 40 games and a dreadful 23-game losing streak, which was tied with the 1995–96 Vancouver Grizzlies, the Nuggets had a 2–38 record (winning percentage .050), a mark equalled only by the 1993–94 Mavericks. [25] [26] [27] With the team holding a 4–42 record at the All-Star break, [28] General Manager Allan Bristow was fired. [29] [30] The Nuggets later on lost sixteen consecutive games between February and March, [22] before finally avoiding a possibility of the worst-ever NBA record against the Golden State Warriors on March 27.

Newman played a sixth man role, leading the team in scoring with 14.7 points per game off the bench, while LaPhonso Ellis averaged 14.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, and Jackson provided the team with 11.6 points, 4.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game, and was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In addition, Fortson averaged 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, while Anthony Goldwire contributed 9.2 points and 3.4 assists per game, Battie provided with 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, Garrett averaged 7.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, Washington contributed 7.7 points per game, and Stith contributed 7.6 points per game. [31] The Nuggets had the worst team defensive rating in the NBA. [32]

The unfortunate season meant Hanzlik was fired after a single season in charge of the team. [33] [34] [35] Following the season, Ellis signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Hawks, [36] [37] while Newman re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, [38] Garrett and Jackson were both traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Battie was dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers, [39] [40] who then traded him to the Boston Celtics several months later, [41] and Goldwire and Wolf were both released to free agency. [42]

In his 2007 study The NBA from Top to Bottom, basketball enthusiast Kyle Wright argued that in fact the 1997–98 Nuggets were a worse team than the 1972–73 76ers, saying that they played a worse schedule in the Midwest Division than the 1972–73 76ers did in their Atlantic Division where a dominant Boston Celtics team was played seven times by the 76ers. [43] In contrast, Wright says, "the Nuggets got to play the 62–20 Utah Jazz only four times".

Draft picks

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalitySchool/Club Team
15 Tony Battie PF/CFlag of the United States.svg United StatesTexas Tech
233 James Cotton SGFlag of the United States.svg United StatesLong Beach State
242 Jason Lawson CFlag of the United States.svg United StatesVillanova

Roster

1997–98 Denver Nuggets roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.NameHeightWeightDOBFrom
G 7 Alexander, Cory 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)185 lb (84 kg)1973–06–22 Virginia
F/C 4 Battie, Tony 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)230 lb (104 kg)1976–02–11 Texas Tech
G/F 3 Ellis, Harold 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)200 lb (91 kg)1970–10–07 Morehouse
F 20 Ellis, LaPhonso 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)240 lb (109 kg)1970–05–05 Notre Dame
F 15 Fortson, Danny 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)260 lb (118 kg)1976–03–27 Cincinnati
C 21 Garrett, Dean 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)225 lb (102 kg)1966–11–27 Indiana
G 5 Goldwire, Anthony 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)182 lb (83 kg)1971–09–06 Houston
G 13 Jackson, Bobby 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)185 lb (84 kg)1973–03–13 Minnesota
C 30 Lauderdale, Priest 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)325 lb (147 kg)1973–08–31 Central State
G/F 22 Newman, Johnny 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)190 lb (86 kg)1963–11–28 Richmond
G 23 Stith, Bryant 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)208 lb (94 kg)1970–12–10 Virginia
G 14 Washington, Eric 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)190 lb (86 kg)1974–03–23 Alabama
F 32 Williams, Eric  Cruz Roja.svg6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)220 lb (100 kg)1972–07–17 Providence
F/C 17 Wolf, Joe  Cruz Roja.svg6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)230 lb (104 kg)1964–12–17 North Carolina
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Cruz Roja.svg Injured

Roster
Last transaction: March 13, 1998

Regular season

Season standings

Midwest Division
W L PCT GB Home Road Div
z-Utah Jazz 6220.756–36–526–1522–2
x-San Antonio Spurs 5626.683631–1025–1618–6
x-Minnesota Timberwolves 4537.5491726–1519–2214–10
x-Houston Rockets 4141.5002124–1717–2414–10
Dallas Mavericks 2062.2444213–287–349–15
Vancouver Grizzlies 1963.2324314–275–364–20
Denver Nuggets 1171.134519–322–393–21
#
Western Conference
Team W L PCT GB
1z-Utah Jazz 6220.756–
2y-Seattle SuperSonics 6121.7441
3x-Los Angeles Lakers 6121.7441
4x-Phoenix Suns 5626.6836
5x-San Antonio Spurs 5626.6836
6x-Portland Trail Blazers 4636.56116
7x-Minnesota Timberwolves 4537.54917
8x-Houston Rockets 4141.50021
9 Sacramento Kings 2755.32935
10 Dallas Mavericks 2062.24442
11 Vancouver Grizzlies 1963.23243
11 Golden State Warriors 1963.23243
13 Los Angeles Clippers 1765.20745
14 Denver Nuggets 1171.13451
z – clinched division title
y – clinched division title
x – clinched playoff spot

Record vs. opponents

1997-98 NBA Records
TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEATORUTAVANWAS
Atlanta –2–14–01–34–02–02–02–22–01–11–32–00–21–33–10–21–22–22–23–10–21–12–01–11–14–00–22–04–0
Boston 1–2–1–21–31–31–11–12–21–11–10–42–01–10–42–21–12–22–22–23–10–21–11–10–21–13–00–22–03–2
Charlotte 0–42–1–1–32–22–02–03–11–12–03–12–01–13–13–11–12–21–33–12–11–12–01–11–11–14–01–12–02–2
Chicago 3–13–13–1–2–21–12–03–12–02–02–22–01–12–14–01–14–04–03–12–11–11–12–02–01–14–00–22–03–1
Cleveland 0–43–12–22–2–1–12–03–12–01–12–22–01–11–32–22–03–11–22–23–12–01–12–00–20–23–11–12–01–2
Dallas 0–21–10–21–11–1–3–10–21–30–41–11–30–40–20–22–20–21–10–20–20–40–40–40–42–21–10–44–01–1
Denver0–21–10–20–20–21–3–0–21–30–40–22–20–40–20–21–30–20–20–20–20–42–21–30–40–40–20–41–31–1
Detroit 2–22–21–31–31–32–02–0–2–01–11–32–00–21–22–20–22–22–21–23–11–10–21–11–10–24–00–20–22–2
Golden State 0–21–11–10–20–23–13–10–2–1–30–21–31–30–20–20–40–21–11–10–20–41–32–21–31–30–20–41–30–2
Houston 1–11–10–20–21–14–04–01–13–1–1–14–01–30–21–11–31–11–10–21–11–31–34–02–21–32–00–43–11–1
Indiana 3–14–01–32–22–21–12–03–12–01–1–2–00–23–14–02–02–12–13–14–01–11–12–00–20–24–01–12–04–0
L.A. Clippers 0–20–20–20–20–23–12–20–23–10–40–2–0–40–20–20–41–10–20–21–10–40–43–11–30–41–11–31–30–2
L.A. Lakers 2–01–11–11–11–14–04–02–03–13–12–04–0–1–12–04–01–11–11–10–22–22–24–04–01–32–03–14–01–1
Miami 3–14–01–31–23–12–02–02–12–02–01–32–01–1–3–11–13–12–23–14–00–22–02–00–20–24–01–12–02–2
Milwaukee 1–32–21–30–42–22–02–02–22–01–10–42–00–21–3–1–10–43–12–12–20–22–02–00–21–13–10–21–11–2
Minnesota 2–01–11–11–10–22–23–12–04–03–10–24–00–41–11–1–2–01–10–22–03–11–33–11–31–31–11–34–00–2
New Jersey 2–12–22–20–41–32–02–02–22–01–11–21–11–11–34–00–2–2–23–13–11–11–12–01–10–23–10–22–01–3
New York 2–22–23–10–42–11–12–02–21–11–11–22–01–12–21–31–12–2–4–02–22–01–11–10–21–13–10–22–01–3
Orlando 2–22–21–31–32–22–02–02–11–12–01–32–01–11–31–22–01–30–4–4–00–22–00–20–21–13–10–22–03–1
Philadelphia 1–31–31–21–21–32–02–01–32–01–10–41–12–00–42–20–21–32–20–4–1–11–11–10–20–22–20–22–03–1
Phoenix 2–02–01–11–10–24–04–01–14–03–11–14–02–22–02–01–31–10–22–01–1–2–23–13–12–22–01–34–01–1
Portland 1–11–10–21–11–14–02–22–03–13–11–14–02–20–20–23–11–11–10–21–12–2–3–12–20–42–03–12–21–1
Sacramento 0–21–11–10–20–24–03–11–12–20–40–21–30–40–20–21–30–21–12–01–11–31–3–0–41–31–12–22–21–1
San Antonio 1–12–01–10–22–04–04–01–13–12–22–03–10–42–02–03–11–12–02–02–01–32–24–0–2–22–01–34–01–1
Seattle 1–11–11–11–12–02–24–02–03–13–12–04–03–12–01–13–12–01–11–12–02–24–03–12–2–2–02–24–01–1
Toronto 0–40–30–40–41–31–12–00–42–00–20–41–10–20–41–31–11–31–31–32–20–20–21–10–20–2–0–21–10–3
Utah 2–02–01–12–01–14–04–02–04–04–01–13–11–31–12–03–12–02–02–02–03–11–32–23–12–22–0–4–00–2
Vancouver 0–20–20–20–20–20–43–12–03–11–30–23–10–40–21–10–40–20–20–20–20–42–22–20–40–41–10–4–1–1
Washington 0–42–32–21–32–11–11–12–22–01–10–42–01–12–22–12–03–13–11–31–31–11–11–11–11–13–02–01–1—

Game log

1997–98 game log
Total: 11–71 (home: 9–32; road: 2–39)
October: 0–1 (home: 0–1; road: 0–0)
GameDateTeamScoreLocation
Attendance		Record
1October 31 San Antonio Spurs 96–107 McNichols Sports Arena 0–1
November: 1–11 (home: 1–4; road: 0–7)
GameDateTeamScoreLocation
Attendance		Record
2November 1@ Utah Jazz 84–102 Delta Center 0–2
3November 4 Washington Wizards 96–120 McNichols Sports Arena 0–3
4November 7Utah Jazz89–91McNichols Sports Arena0–4
5November 11@ New York Knicks 90–93 Madison Square Garden 0–5
6November 12@ Boston Celtics 86–96 Fleet Center 0–6
7November 14@ Orlando Magic 85–103 Orlando Arena 0–7
8November 15@ Miami Heat 93–96 Miami Arena 0–8
9November 18 Vancouver Grizzlies 87–100 McNichols Sports Arena 0–9
10November 21@ Vancouver Grizzlies96–99 General Motors Place 0–10
11November 22 Seattle SuperSonics 80–84 McNichols Sports Arena 0–11
12November 25@ Sacramento Kings 93–97 ARCO Arena 0–12
13November 28 Minnesota Timberwolves 95–84 McNichols Sports Arena 1–12
December: 1–14 (home: 1–7; road: 0–7)
GameDateTeamScoreLocation
Attendance		Record
14December 2@ Houston Rockets 101–112 The Summit 1–13
15December 3 Los Angeles Lakers 89–107 McNichols Sports Arena 1–14
16December 5 Indiana Pacers 85–96McNichols Sports Arena1–15
17December 7 Los Angeles Clippers 100–92McNichols Sports Arena2–15
18December 9@ Detroit Pistons 83–92 The Palace of Auburn Hills 2–16
19December 10@ Cleveland Cavaliers 106–119 Gund Arena 2–17
20December 12@ Phoenix Suns 81–102 America West Arena 2–18
21December 13@ New Jersey 95–133 Continental Airlines Arena 2–19
22December 16San Antonio Spurs85–99 McNichols Sports Arena 2–20
23December 18@ Seattle SuperSonics 106–119 KeyArena 2–21
24December 20 Phoenix Suns 81–102 McNichols Sports Arena 2–22
25December 23@ Golden State Warriors 75–87 The Arena in Oakland 2–23
26December 26Golden State Warriors120–131 McNichols Sports Arena 2–24
27December 27@ Los Angeles Clippers 103–105 Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 2–25
28December 30 Utah Jazz 99–132 McNichols Sports Arena 2–26
January: 2–14 (home: 1–7; road: 1–7)
GameDateTeamScoreLocation
Attendance		Record
29January 2 Houston Rockets 115–116 OT McNichols Sports Arena 2–27
30January 3@ Minnesota Timberwolves 87–109 Target Center 2–28
31January 6@ Dallas Mavericks 90–108 Reunion Arena 2–29
32January 7@ San Antonio Spurs 89–96 Alamodome 2–30
33January 9 Miami Heat 79–98 McNichols Sports Arena 2–31
34January 13 Orlando Magic 84–98 McNichols Sports Arena 2–32
35January 14@ Los Angeles Lakers 114–132 Great Western Forum 2–33
36January 16 Cleveland Cavaliers 74–99 McNichols Sports Arena 2–34
37January 18@ Portland Trail Blazers 82–94 Rose Garden Arena 2–35
38January 20@ Vancouver Grizzlies 77–88 General Motors Place 2–36
39January 21 Detroit Pistons 67–87 McNichols Sports Arena 2–37
40January 23@ Phoenix Suns 77–93 America West Arena 2–38
41January 24@ Los Angeles Clippers 99–81 Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 3–38
42January 27 New Jersey Nets 87–120 McNichols Sports Arena 3–39
43January 29 Toronto Raptors 80–84McNichols Sports Arena3–40
44January 31 Dallas Mavericks 110–98McNichols Sports Arena4–40
February: 1–11 (home: 1–6; road: 0–5)
GameDateTeamScoreLocation
Attendance		Record
45February 2 Chicago Bulls 72–111McNichols Sports Arena4–41
46February 4 Sacramento Kings 99–101McNichols Sports Arena4–42
47February 10 Boston Celtics 112–99McNichols Sports Arena5–42
48February 12@ Sacramento Kings 84–87 ARCO Arena 5–43
49February 13 Minnesota Timberwolves 80–107 McNichols Sports Arena 5–44
50February 15@ Portland Trail Blazers 82–117 Rose Garden Arena 5–45
51February 17 New York Knicks 77–91 McNichols Sports Arena 5–46
52February 19@ Los Angeles Lakers 114–132 Great Western Forum 5–47
53February 20@ Golden State Warriors 88–95 The Arena in Oakland 5–48
54February 22@ Seattle SuperSonics 68–88 KeyArena 5–49
55February 23 Charlotte Hornets 98–118 McNichols Sports Arena 5–50
56February 25 Atlanta Hawks 88–112McNichols Sports Arena5–51
57February 27 Philadelphia 76ers 78–79McNichols Sports Arena5–52
March: 4–11 (home: 3–4; road: 1–7)
GameDateTeamScoreLocation
Attendance		Record
58March 1@ Indiana Pacers 63–90 Market Square Arena 5–53
59March 3@ Chicago Bulls 90–118 United Center 5–54
60March 5@ Milwaukee Bucks 87–104 Bradley Center 5–55
61March 6@ Atlanta Hawks 94–115 Georgia Dome 5–56
62March 8 Los Angeles Clippers 89–100 McNichols Sports Arena 5–57
63March 10 Phoenix Suns 106–104McNichols Sports Arena5–58
64March 12 Vancouver Grizzlies 98–93McNichols Sports Arena6–58
65March 14 Portland Trail Blazers 92–82McNichols Sports Arena7–58
66March 16 Charlotte Hornets 87–109 Charlotte Coliseum 7–59
67March 17@ Washington Wizards 90–89 MCI Center 8–59
68March 19@ Toronto Raptors 103–104 OT SkyDome 8–60
69March 20@ Minnesota Timberwolves 88–104 Target Center 8–61
70March 23 Los Angeles Lakers 86–107 McNichols Sports Arena 8–62
71March 25 Dallas Mavericks 94–105McNichols Sports Arena8–63
72March 27 Golden State Warriors 97–89McNichols Sports Arena9–63
April: 2–8 (home: 2–3; road: 0–5)
GameDateTeamScoreLocation
Attendance		Record
73April 1 Milwaukee Bucks 100–106 McNichols Sports Arena 9–64
74April 3@ Utah Jazz 75–97 Delta Center 9–65
75April 5 Seattle SuperSonics 83–87 McNichols Sports Arena 9–66
76April 7 Houston Rockets 87–104McNichols Sports Arena9–67
77April 9 Sacramento Kings 128–103McNichols Sports Arena10–67
78April 11@ Dallas Mavericks 81–99 Reunion Arena 10–68
79April 14@ Houston Rockets 88–94 The Summit 10–69
80April 15@ Phoenix Suns 89–96 America West Arena 10–70
81April 17 Portland Trail Blazers 109–101 McNichols Sports Arena 11–70
82April 19@ San Antonio Spurs 82–96 Alamodome 11–71
1997–98 schedule

Player statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage 3P%  3-point field-goal percentage FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game APG  Assists per game SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game PPG  Points per game
PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3FG%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
Dean Garrett 828232.1.428N/A.6487.91.10.71.67.3
Anthony Goldwire 823227.0.423.384.8061.83.41.00.19.2
Danny Fortson 802322.6.452.333.7765.61.00.60.410.2
LaPhonso Ellis 767133.9.407.284.8057.22.80.90.614.3
Johnny Newman 741529.4.431.343.8201.91.91.00.314.7
Bobby Jackson 685330.0.392.259.8144.44.71.50.211.6
Eric Washington 663623.3.404.321.7831.91.20.80.47.7
Tony Battie 654923.2.446.214.7025.40.90.81.18.4
Joe Wolf 57810.9.331.200.5002.60.50.40.11.5
Priest Lauderdale 3908.8.417N/A.5512.20.50.20.43.7
Bryant Stith 311523.2.333.208.8722.11.60.70.37.6
Kiwane Garris 2808.0.338.357.7600.71.00.30.02.4
Harold Ellis 27312.7.559.000.6351.90.70.70.16.1
Cory Alexander 231934.7.435.411.8464.36.02.00.314.0
George Zidek 607.0.267N/A.8332.20.20.00.33.0
Eric Williams 4436.3.393N/A.6895.33.01.00.019.8

Awards and records

Transactions

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony Battie</span> American basketball player

Demetrius Antonio Battie is an American former professional basketball player. He works as an analyst for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The 1997–98 NBA season was the Raptors' third season in the National Basketball Association. In the 1997 NBA draft, the Raptors selected high school basketball star Tracy McGrady with the ninth overall pick, and acquired second-year forward John Wallace from the New York Knicks in a three-team trade during the off-season. In November, Isiah Thomas resigned as general manager, and later took up a job as color analyst for the NBA on NBC. After a 1–2 start, the Raptors struggled posting a 17-game losing streak, leading to a dreadful 1–19 start. The team later on improved in January with a 6–8 record, including a four-game winning streak, and held an 11–36 record at the All-Star break.

The 1995–96 NBA season was the Nuggets' 20th season in the National Basketball Association, and 29th season as a franchise. The Nuggets had the 15th overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft, and selected Brent Barry out of Oregon State University, but soon traded him to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for top draft pick Antonio McDyess from the University of Alabama, and acquired Don MacLean and Doug Overton from the Washington Bullets during the off-season. However, the team got off to a horrible start losing eight of their first nine games, as LaPhonso Ellis missed the first 37 games of the season with a knee injury. Despite the slow start, the Nuggets would then recover winning eight of their next nine games leading to a 9–9 start, but later on lost six straight games in January slipping below .500 with a 20–27 record at the All-Star break.

The 1994–95 NBA season was the Nuggets' 19th season in the National Basketball Association, and 28th season as a franchise. The Nuggets had the thirteenth overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft, and selected Jalen Rose from the University of Michigan, and signed free agent Dale Ellis during the off-season. Coming off their improbable playoff run, the Nuggets were bitten by the injury bug, losing LaPhonso Ellis for all but the final six games of the season due to a knee injury from an off-season pickup game. Without their star forward, second-year forward Rodney Rogers became the team's starting power forward, while the Nuggets also replaced scoring leader Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf as the team's starting point guard with Robert Pack, as the team won five of their first six games. However, head coach Dan Issel resigned with the team holding an 18–16 record. Under his assistant Gene Littles, the Nuggets struggled losing 13 of their next 16 games as Littles was replaced with General Manager Bernie Bickerstaff. The team was out of playoff position with a 20–26 record at the All-Star break.

The 1999–00 NBA season was the 54th season for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. During the off-season, the Celtics acquired Danny Fortson, and former Celtics forward Eric Williams from the Denver Nuggets, and signed free agents Calbert Cheaney, and undrafted rookie guard Adrian Griffin. In their third season under head coach Rick Pitino, the Celtics won their first three games, but played below .500 for the first few months, holding a 21–28 record at the All-Star break.

The 1998–99 NBA season was the 53rd season for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. On March 23, 1998, the owners of all 29 NBA teams voted 27–2 to reopen the league's collective bargaining agreement, seeking changes to the league's salary cap system, and a ceiling on individual player salaries. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) opposed to the owners' plan, and wanted raises for players who earned the league's minimum salary. After both sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners called for a lockout, which began on July 1, 1998, putting a hold on all team trades, free agent signings and training camp workouts, and cancelling many NBA regular season and preseason games. Due to the lockout, the NBA All-Star Game, which was scheduled to be played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 14, 1999, was also cancelled.

The 1996–97 NBA season was the 51st season for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. Celebrating its 50th anniversary as one of the NBA's original franchises, the Celtics selected Antoine Walker from the University of Kentucky with the sixth overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft. During the off-season, the team signed free agents Frank Brickowski and Marty Conlon. However, after a 4–8 start to the season, the Celtics lost 13 of their next 14 games as players like Dino Radja, Dana Barros, Dee Brown, Greg Minor and Pervis Ellison were all out for long stretches of the season with injuries. The team suffered through their worst season, holding an 11–35 record at the All-Star break, then posting a 13-game losing streak between February and March, and losing ten straight games near the end of the season. The Celtics lost 34 of their final 38 games, finishing last place in the Atlantic Division with a dreadful 15–67 record, which is the team's worst record in franchise history.

The 1992–93 NBA season was the Nuggets' 17th season in the National Basketball Association and 26th season as a franchise. In the 1992 NBA draft, the Nuggets selected LaPhonso Ellis out of Notre Dame University with the fifth overall pick, and selected Bryant Stith from the University of Virginia with the thirteenth overall pick. During the off-season, the team acquired second-year guard Robert Pack from the Portland Trail Blazers, and brought back Dan Issel as their new head coach; Issel starred for the Nuggets for ten seasons as a player. Under Issel, the Nuggets got off to a 7–7 start, but then suffered a 14-game losing streak from December 5, 1992 to January 5, 1993. At midseason, the team signed free agent Tom Hammonds, who was previously released by the Charlotte Hornets. Despite the losing streak, the Nuggets showed significant improvement holding a 20–30 record at the All-Star break, and missed the playoffs by three games with a record of 36–46, fourth in the Midwest Division.

The 1997–98 NBA season was the Grizzlies' third season in the National Basketball Association. After finishing with the worst record in their first two seasons, the Grizzlies selected Antonio Daniels out of Bowling Green State University with the fourth overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft. In the off-season, the team hired Brian Hill as their new head coach; Hill previously coached the Orlando Magic, and led them to the 1995 NBA Finals, where they lost in four straight games to the Houston Rockets. The team also acquired Otis Thorpe from the Detroit Pistons, acquired three-point specialist Sam Mack from the Houston Rockets, and acquired Tony Massenburg from the Boston Celtics.

The 1992–93 NBA season was the 76ers 44th season in the National Basketball Association, and 30th season in Philadelphia. The 76ers received the ninth overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft, and selected Clarence Weatherspoon from the University of Southern Mississippi. During the off-season, the team acquired Jeff Hornacek, Andrew Lang and Tim Perry from the Phoenix Suns, and hired Doug Moe as their new head coach. The Sixers got off to a bad start, losing 11 of their first 14 games after a 7-game losing streak between November and December, and held an 18–31 record at the All-Star break. The team also suffered two defeats that were greater than 50 points. As the NBA in the 1990s emphasized more defensive play, Moe tried to implement an up-tempo attack offense similar to his former Denver Nuggets team of the 1980s, which failed miserably. With the team holding a 19–37 record in early March, he was fired and replaced with Fred Carter. Moe would return to coaching with the Denver Nuggets in his second stint under head coach George Karl from 2005 until retirement in 2008.

The 1998–99 NBA season was the tenth season for the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association. On March 23, 1998, the owners of all 29 NBA teams voted 27–2 to reopen the league's collective bargaining agreement, seeking changes to the league's salary cap system, and a ceiling on individual player salaries. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) opposed to the owners' plan, and wanted raises for players who earned the league's minimum salary. After both sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners called for a lockout, which began on July 1, 1998, putting a hold on all team trades, free agent signings and training camp workouts, and cancelling many NBA regular season and preseason games. Due to the lockout, the NBA All-Star Game, which was scheduled to be played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 14, 1999, was also cancelled.

The 1999–2000 NBA season was the 11th season for the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association. During the off-season, the Magic hired retired NBA point guard, and former Turner Sports broadcast analyst Doc Rivers as head coach. The team made plenty of off-season acquisitions, as they acquired Tariq Abdul-Wahad from the Sacramento Kings, acquired Chris Gatling from the Milwaukee Bucks, acquired Ben Wallace from the Washington Wizards, acquired second-year forward Pat Garrity from the Phoenix Suns, acquired Anthony Parker from the Philadelphia 76ers, and acquired top draft pick Corey Maggette out of Duke University from the Seattle SuperSonics; Maggette was drafted by the SuperSonics with the thirteenth overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft. The team also signed free agents John Amaechi, Monty Williams and undrafted rookie guard Chucky Atkins.

The 1988–89 NBA season was the Nuggets' 13th season in the NBA and 22nd season as a franchise. During the off-season, the team signed free agent All-Star guard Walter Davis. The Nuggets got off to an 11–4 start to the season, but played below .500 afterwards, as Bill Hanzlik only played just 41 games due to a back injury. At midseason, the team traded Jay Vincent and Calvin Natt to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Dave Greenwood and Darwin Cook, and held a 25–23 record at the All-Star break. Despite losing six of their final eight games, the Nuggets finished third in the Midwest Division with a 44–38 record, while posting a very successful 35–6 home record at McNichols Sports Arena.

The 1996–97 NBA season was the Nuggets' 21st season in the National Basketball Association, and 30th season as a franchise. In the off-season, the Nuggets acquired Mark Jackson and Ricky Pierce from the Indiana Pacers, acquired Šarūnas Marčiulionis from the Sacramento Kings, and signed free agents Ervin Johnson and Eric Murdock, although Murdock was released to free agency in November after just 12 games. However, after a 4–9 start to the season, Bernie Bickerstaff resigned as head coach and was replaced with Dick Motta, where the Nuggets then lost ten straight games, and held a 16–32 record at the All-Star break.

The 1998–99 NBA season was the Nuggets' 23rd season in the National Basketball Association, and 32nd season as a franchise. On March 23, 1998, the owners of all 29 NBA teams voted 27–2 to reopen the league's collective bargaining agreement, seeking changes to the league's salary cap system, and a ceiling on individual player salaries. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) opposed to the owners' plan, and wanted raises for players who earned the league's minimum salary. After both sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners called for a lockout, which began on July 1, 1998, putting a hold on all team trades, free agent signings and training camp workouts, and cancelling many NBA regular season and preseason games. Due to the lockout, the NBA All-Star Game, which was scheduled to be played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 14, 1999, was also cancelled.

The 1999–2000 NBA season was the Nuggets' 24th season in the National Basketball Association, and 33rd season as a franchise. It was also their first season playing at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets had the 18th overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft, and selected James Posey out of Xavier University. During the off-season, the team acquired Ron Mercer and Popeye Jones from the Boston Celtics, and signed free agent George McCloud. With Dan Issel back as head coach, the Nuggets had a solid nucleus of second-year star Raef LaFrentz, Antonio McDyess and Nick Van Exel with a 17–15 record to start the season. However, the Nuggets would struggle and slip below .500, holding a 21–27 record at the All-Star break.

The 1996–97 NBA season was the Timberwolves' 8th season in the National Basketball Association. In the 1996 NBA draft, the Timberwolves selected shooting guard Ray Allen from the University of Connecticut with the fifth overall pick, but soon traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for top draft pick point guard Stephon Marbury out of Georgia Tech. The team also acquired James Robinson from the Portland Trail Blazers, and second-year center Cherokee Parks from the Dallas Mavericks, while signing free agents, rookie center Dean Garrett, second-year guard Chris Carr, and Stojko Vrankovic during the off-season. However, Michael Williams would miss the entire season with a strained plantar fascia in his left heel.

The 1996–97 NBA season was the Pacers' 21st season in the National Basketball Association, and 30th season as a franchise. During the off-season, the Pacers acquired Jalen Rose and Reggie Williams from the Denver Nuggets; the Pacers also received the tenth overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft from the Nuggets, which they used to select Erick Dampier out of Mississippi State. However, after playing just two games for the team, Williams was then traded to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Vincent Askew. Injuries and sluggish play would hamper the Pacers all season long as Rik Smits only played 52 games due to a foot injury, while Derrick McKey only appeared in just 50 games due to a foot injury, and a ruptured Achilles tendon, and Haywoode Workman was lost for the remainder of the season with a knee injury after only playing just four games.

The 2002–03 NBA season was the 76ers 54th season in the National Basketball Association, and 40th season in Philadelphia. During the off-season, the Sixers acquired Keith Van Horn and former 76ers center Todd MacCulloch from the New Jersey Nets; Van Horn was originally drafted by the Sixers as the second pick in the 1997 NBA draft. The Sixers got off to a fast start winning 15 of their first 19 games, but would then lose 14 of their next 18 games, holding a 25–24 record at the All-Star break. In December, the team acquired Kenny Thomas from the Houston Rockets in a three-team trade. The Sixers improved on their last season posting a nine-game winning streak at midseason, finishing second in the Atlantic Division with a 48–34 record, with the #4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The 1998–99 NBA season was the Hawks' 50th season in the National Basketball Association, and 31st season in Atlanta. On March 23, 1998, the owners of all 29 NBA teams voted 27–2 to reopen the league's collective bargaining agreement, seeking changes to the league's salary cap system, and a ceiling on individual player salaries. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) opposed to the owners' plan, and wanted raises for players who earned the league's minimum salary. After both sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners called for a lockout, which began on July 1, 1998, putting a hold on all team trades, free agent signings and training camp workouts, and cancelling many NBA regular season and preseason games. Due to the lockout, the NBA All-Star Game, which was scheduled to be played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 14, 1999, was also cancelled.

References

  1. ↑ 1997–98 Denver Nuggets
  2. 1 2 Wise, Mike (June 26, 1997). "After Duncan, Utah Forward Steals Show". The New York Times. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  3. 1 2 Heisler, Mark (June 26, 1997). "Draft Over, But Not Finished". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  4. 1 2 Cotton, Anthony (June 26, 1997). "No. 1 Pick Turns Duncan Into Spur of Moment". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  5. ↑ "First Round Selections in the 1997 NBA Draft Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C." Hartford Courant. June 26, 1997. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  6. ↑ "1997 NBA Draft". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  7. ↑ Gardner, Kris (August 21, 1997). "Celtics Trade Williams to Denver". The Houston Roundball Review. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Celtics Send Eric Williams to Nuggets". Tampa Bay Times. August 22, 1997. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  9. ↑ Greenberg, Alan (October 23, 1997). "One of Pitino's Slick Moves". Hartford Courant. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  10. 1 2 Gardner, Kris (June 25, 1997). "ARCHIVE: Houston Roundball Review NBA Trade Analyses -- 1997 NBA Draft Day Deals". The Houston Roundball Review. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  11. ↑ "The Denver Nuggets Continued Their Massive Rebuilding..." Los Angeles Times. Staff and Wire Reports. September 6, 1997. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  12. ↑ Harding, Jim (September 7, 1997). "Garrett Latest Addition to New-Look Nuggets". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  13. ↑ Kurkjian, Tim (November 10, 1997). "NO.5: Denver Nuggets". Sports Illustrated Vault. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Nuggets' Williams Is Out". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. November 10, 1997. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  15. ↑ "NBA -- Nuggets Rocked by Bad News: Eric Williams Out for Season". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. November 10, 1997. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Sonics Not Looking Past Tarnished Nuggets". The Spokesman-Review. Tacoma News Tribune. November 22, 1997. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  17. ↑ Johnson, Dave (July 5, 1999). "Losses, Injuries Numb Stith's Zest for the Game". Daily Press. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  18. ↑ "D'Antoni New Skipper in Denver". CBS News. CBS News.com Staff. September 22, 1998. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Nuggets Set to Hire Hanzlik". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 29, 1997. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  20. ↑ "Denver Hires Former Player to Lead Team". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. May 30, 1997. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Kings 97, Nuggets 93". United Press International. November 26, 1997. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  22. 1 2 "1997–98 Denver Nuggets Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Nuggets Falter Again: Lose 87–75"; in Rocky Mountain News ; December 24, 1997
  24. ↑ "Warriors Pound Nuggets 81–69; Wizards Win 97–95"; in Point Pleasant Register ; December 27, 1997; p. 5
  25. ↑ "N.B.A.: LAST NIGHT; Denver Ties Record for Futility in N.B.A." The New York Times. Associated Press. January 24, 1998. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  26. ↑ "At 23, Nuggets Almost Loss Leaders". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. January 24, 1998. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  27. ↑ "Suns 93, Nuggets 77". The Washington Post. January 24, 1998. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
  28. ↑ "NBA Games Played on February 5, 1998". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  29. ↑ "Bristow Fired by 4-42 Nuggets". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. February 6, 1998. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
  30. ↑ Thompson, Jack (March 26, 1998). "Issel Gets Task of Rebuilding Nuggets". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  31. ↑ "1997–98 Denver Nuggets Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  32. ↑ "Teams Defense". NBA.com . Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  33. ↑ Mitchell, Don (April 20, 1998). "Denver Nuggets Fire Coach Hanzlik". Associated Press. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Nuggets Quickly Oust Hanzlik". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. April 21, 1998. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
  35. ↑ "Hanzlik Axed After Dismal Season". CBS News. Associated Press. April 21, 1998. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  36. ↑ Jorgensen, Loren (January 26, 1999). "Fans Enjoy Scrimmage, Jazz Win That One, But Pursuit of LaPhonso Ellis Is Still Up in Air". Deseret News. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  37. ↑ "Hawks to Sign LaPhonso Ellis". United Press International. January 30, 1999. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  38. ↑ "Cavaliers Sign Free Agent Newman". Associated Press. January 24, 1999. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  39. ↑ "Clippers Pick Olowokandi No. 1". CBS News. CBS News.com Staff. June 24, 1998. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Van Exel Act Gets Him Exiled to the Nuggets". Deseret News. Associated Press. June 25, 1998. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  41. ↑ "Knight's Out". Hartford Courant. January 20, 1999. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  42. ↑ Wise, Mike (February 4, 1999). "PRO BASKETBALL; A Scrum for the Title". The New York Times. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  43. ↑ Wright, Kyle; The NBA from Top to Bottom: A History of the NBA from the No. 1 Team to the No. 1,153; pp. 80-87. ISBN   9780595697960

See also

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.