Head coach Dan Issel Record 40–42 (.488) | Arena Pepsi Center Playoff finish DNQ | |
Place Division: 6th (Midwest)
Conference: 11th (Western) Television Fox Sports Rocky Mountain, KWGN | ||
The 2000-01 NBA season was the Nuggets' 25th season in the NBA and 34th season as a franchise. During the offseason, the Nuggets acquired Calbert Cheaney and Robert Pack from the Boston Celtics (Pack was acquired by Boston from the Dallas Mavericks), and Voshon Lenard and Mark Strickland from the Miami Heat. However, Cheaney struggled with injuries that limited him to just nine games, and Strickland was waived later on during the season as he went on to sign with the New Jersey Nets. At midseason, the Nuggets traded Keon Clark to the Toronto Raptors for Kevin Willis.
Antonio McDyess finally realized his potential averaging 20.8 points, and 10.1 rebounds per game while being selected for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game. Through January, the Nuggets were a playoff contender posting a record of 26–18. However, they faded in February and March winning just nine of 28 games as they missed the playoffs with a 40–42 record, sixth in the Midwest Division. Following the season, Willis was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, who then sent him back to the Houston Rockets.