|
> NBA History > Nuggets history >
History of the Denver Rockets (ABA)
The Denver Rockets were one of the founding franchises of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and one of the league's most successful organizations. Established in 1967, the franchise helped popularize the fast-paced, high-scoring style that made the ABA famous. Led by future Hall of Famers David Thompson, Dan Issel, and Bobby Jones, the Rockets became perennial championship contenders before changing their name to the Denver Nuggets in 1974. The franchise later joined the NBA as part of the historic 1976 ABA-NBA merger.
Founding the Franchise
The franchise was originally awarded to Denver in 1967 as one of the eleven charter members of the newly formed ABA.
Initially, the team was known as the Kansas City Larks, but financial problems forced ownership changes before the club played its first game.
Under new ownership, the team was renamed the Denver Rockets, reflecting Denver's growing aerospace industry and the excitement surrounding America's space program during the 1960s.
The Rockets played their home games at the Denver Auditorium Arena, where they quickly developed one of the ABA's most passionate fan bases.
Early Years
The Rockets struggled during their first few seasons but steadily built a competitive roster through smart drafting and player acquisitions.
Unlike the more established NBA, the ABA encouraged an exciting style of play featuring:
- Fast breaks
- Long-range shooting
- Athletic players
- Creative offense
Denver embraced this philosophy and soon became one of the league's most entertaining teams.
Larry Brown Arrives
The franchise's fortunes changed dramatically when Larry Brown became head coach in 1972.
Brown emphasized disciplined team basketball while maintaining the up-tempo style that fans loved.
Under Brown's leadership, Denver quickly developed into one of the ABA's elite franchises.
The Arrival of David Thompson
The Rockets selected David Thompson with the first overall pick in the 1975 ABA Draft after winning a fierce bidding war with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks.
Nicknamed "Skywalker," Thompson immediately became one of professional basketball's biggest stars.
His incredible leaping ability, spectacular dunks, and effortless scoring made him one of the ABA's greatest attractions.
Many historians credit Thompson with inspiring the aerial style later made famous by Michael Jordan.
Dan Issel and Bobby Jones
Thompson was joined by two future Hall of Famers:
Issel provided elite scoring and rebounding while Bobby Jones established himself as one of basketball's greatest defensive forwards.
Together, the trio formed one of the strongest frontcourts in professional basketball.
The 1975–76 Season
The 1975–76 Denver Rockets produced the finest season in franchise history.
Denver finished with the ABA's best regular-season record at 60–24, earning home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Rockets defeated the Kentucky Colonels to reach the 1976 ABA Finals.
Their opponent was the defending champion New York Nets, led by Julius Erving.
Despite outstanding play from Thompson and Issel, Denver lost the championship series in six games.
Although disappointed, the Rockets had firmly established themselves as one of the ABA's model franchises.
Becoming the Denver Nuggets
Before the 1974–75 season, the franchise officially changed its name to the Denver Nuggets.
Several factors influenced the decision:
- Avoid confusion with the NBA's Houston Rockets.
- Honor Colorado's mining heritage.
- Pay tribute to the original Denver Nuggets team of the National Basketball League (NBL).
Although the nickname changed, the organization remained largely intact.
The team that reached the 1976 ABA Finals was officially known as the Denver Nuggets.
Joining the NBA
When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, Denver was one of only four franchises admitted into the expanded league.
Unlike many former ABA clubs, the Nuggets transitioned almost seamlessly.
Led by David Thompson and Dan Issel, Denver won the Midwest Division during its first NBA season and immediately became one of the Western Conference's strongest teams.
Home Arenas
| Years |
Arena |
| 1967–1975 |
Denver Auditorium Arena |
| 1975–1976 |
McNichols Sports Arena |
Denver Rockets Timeline
| Year |
Event |
| 1967 |
Franchise founded as the Denver Rockets after originally being named the Denver Larks. |
| 1967 |
Become a charter member of the American Basketball Association. |
| 1972 |
Larry Brown becomes head coach. |
| 1974 |
Franchise renamed the Denver Nuggets. |
| 1975 |
Draft David Thompson first overall in the ABA Draft. |
| 1975–76 |
Finish with the ABA's best record (60–24). |
| 1976 |
Reach the ABA Finals before losing to the New York Nets. |
| 1976 |
Join the NBA as part of the ABA-NBA merger. |
Notable Players
- David Thompson
- Dan Issel
- Bobby Jones
- Ralph Simpson
- Mack Calvin
- Byron Beck
- Chuck Williams
Notable Coaches
- Bob Bass
- Alex Hannum
- Larry Brown
Legacy
The Denver Rockets played a pivotal role in establishing professional basketball in the Rocky Mountain region and helped make the ABA one of the most innovative leagues in sports history. Their exciting style of play, passionate fan support, and collection of Hall of Fame talent made them one of the ABA's flagship franchises.
Although the team changed its name to the Denver Nuggets in 1974, the Rockets era laid the foundation for decades of success. The franchise carried that winning tradition into the NBA following the 1976 ABA-NBA merger and eventually captured its first NBA championship in 2023. The legacy of the Denver Rockets remains an essential chapter in both ABA and Denver basketball history.
| 