It has been several years since the Denver Nuggets had an entry in the NBA Development League, but reports indicate the the team is looking to return.
The Nuggets’ last affiliate in the D-League was the Colorado 14ers, who played at the 1stBank Center (then the Broomfield Event Center) in Broomfield, CO from 2006-2009. Following the 2009 season, the franchise was purchased and relocated to Frisco, TX, where it remains today as the Texas Legends.
Signs are that the Nuggets would like to be back in the D-League next season. The timing comes as the D-League looks to grow and several other franchises–including the Milwaukee Bucks–consider expanding their operations into the circuit. As has been seen with the Bucks’ search for a new home, the possibility of a D-League franchise can set several cities into motion and create a competitive bidding process.
However, the Nuggets are apparently still trying to decide a few things, including whether they will own and operate the team. The team is still considering other issues as well, according to the Denver Post:
When the news the Nuggets would be in town to hold the first week of training camp at Creighton University filtered out to Nebraska, questions were asked if the NBA team was also looking to put a D-League team there.
The answer is partial.
The Nuggets are likely to get back into the D-League business next season, according to league sources. But nothing has been decided or is imminent. Right now, the Nuggets are not affiliated with a team but can assign players to a D-League team connected to another NBA team.
This is not the first talk of a D-League team in Omaha, as Omaha Storm Chasers owner Gary Green has previously been linked to efforts to bring a franchise to the city. With operations already in Omaha, the Nuggets could look to place the team there or follow the route of the Bucks and other franchises, which is to enter into discussions with cities that have existing or proposed arenas and are closer to their home operations.
