The Denver Rockets history highlights the team’s exciting ABA journey before becoming the Denver Nuggets. Founded in 1967, the franchise quickly built a reputation for competitive play and passionate fans. With star players and strong seasons, Denver Rockets basketball became a cornerstone of Denver’s sports scene, paving the way for the team’s enduring legacy.
Established
1967
City
Denver
League History
1976 – Present / National Basketball Association
1967 – 1976 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1974 – Present / Denver Nuggets
1967 – 1974 / Denver Rockets
Nickname
Rockets - The Denver Rockets may not be the most well-known team in the NBA, but they have a rich history and an interesting nickname. The origins of their name date back to 1967, when they were founded as part of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
At that time, there was a lot of excitement surrounding space exploration and rocketry. This led several ABA teams to choose names related to rockets or outer space, such as "The San Diego Conquistadors," "Miami Floridians," or even "New York Nets."
In 1967, one of the ABA’s charter franchises was awarded to a group in Kansas City, Missouri, headed by Southern California businessman James Trindle. However, Trindle could not find a suitable arena in the Kansas City area.
Denver Rockets Origin
League commissioner George Mikan suggested moving the team to Denver; Trindle moved his team to Denver as the Denver Larks, named after the Colorado state bird. Trindle sold a two-thirds controlling interest to Denver trucking magnate Bill Ringsby for $350,000. New owner Ringsby renamed the Rockets team after his company’s long-haul trucks.
For Denver's entry into the league, it was decided that Colorado had recently become known for its aerospace industry, with companies like Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) setting up shop in nearby Littleton. It seemed only fitting then that this new professional basketball team should take on a name reflecting this growing industry: The Denver Rockets!
Since then, many sports fans have supported their hometown heroes who proudly wear 'Rockets' across their chests every game night at Pepsi Center. To these loyal supporters, it doesn't matter if you're from Colorado Springs or California; everyone can get behind, rooting for one common goal - seeing our beloved Nuggets soar higher than ever!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
ABA Championships 0
Arena
1999 – Present / Pepsi Center
1975 – 1999 / McNichols Sports Arena
1967 – 1975 / Denver Auditorium Arena
Owner
2014 – Present / Ann Walton Kroenke
2000 – 2014 / Stan Kroenke
1997 – 2000 / Liberty Media
1989 – 1997 / Peter Bynoe, Bertram Lee, and Comsat Video Enterprises
1985 – 1989 / Sidney Shlenker
1978 – 1985 / Red McCombs
1972 – 1978 / Frank Goldberg and Bud Fischer
1967 – 1972 / James Trindle and Bill Ringsby
- 1967
- 1968
- 1969
- 1970
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Denver Team Formation
In 1967, one of the ABA’s charter franchises was awarded to a group in Kansas City, Missouri headed by Southern California businessman James Trindle. However, Trindle was unable to find a suitable arena in the Kansas City area. League commissioner George Mikan suggested moving the team to Denver. After agreeing to name Denver native and former NBA player Vince Boryla ... -
The First Year
The team’s first year on the court (1967 – 1968) had to be considered a successful one, especially attendance-wise. Unlike other ABA teams, Denver started out very slow at the gate. Only 2,748 fans attended the Rockets’ first home game against the Anaheim Amigos. But, attendance picked up over the course of the season, as Denver residents gradually warmed up ... -
Signing Spencer Haywood
After Denver’s playoff defeat at the hands of the Oaks, Denver’s front office knew it had to improve the team’s talent level. The Ringsbys contented themselves (and shocked the basketball world) by signing an undergraduate phenom from the University of Detroit: Spencer Haywood. The 6’9″ Haywood had played only one year of junior college ball (at Trinidad Junior College in ... -
Haywood Leaves for Seattle
Haywood’s spectacular 1969 – 1970 rookie season gave Rockets fans cause for optimism for the 1970 – 1971 season. But, the season turned out to be a disaster for the franchise. In the fall of 1970, Haywood played only two exhibition games for the Rockets (scoring over 40 points in each). After those two games, he bolted the team because ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Denver Rockets History
The Denver Rockets history began in 1967 when the team joined the American Basketball Association (ABA). Based in Denver, Colorado, they played their home games at the Denver Auditorium Arena before moving to McNichols Sports Arena. Known for their fast-paced style, Denver Rockets basketball quickly became a fan favorite and laid the foundation for the modern-day Denver Nuggets.
Founded by trucking magnate Bill Ringsby, the Rockets took their name from his fleet of Rocket trucks, symbolizing speed and energy. This branding reflected the team’s goal of bringing excitement to the ABA. During the early years, the Denver Rockets history was shaped by notable players like Spencer Haywood, Larry Jones, and Byron Beck, who helped raise the franchise’s profile in the league.
In their initial seasons, Denver Rockets basketball produced several winning records. Although the Rockets never captured an ABA championship, they were consistently competitive. Spencer Haywood earned ABA MVP honors in 1970, marking one of the franchise’s most celebrated achievements. The team reached the Western Division Finals multiple times, showcasing its growth and determination.
Rockets Achievements
The Denver Rockets history took a pivotal turn in 1974 when the franchise rebranded as the Denver Nuggets, reclaiming the name once used by Denver’s original professional basketball team from the 1940s. This move set the stage for the team’s transition into the NBA during the 1976 ABA-NBA merger. The Nuggets carried forward the Rockets’ records, players, and achievements.
The achievements of the Denver Rockets basketball era remain significant. The team produced an ABA MVP, multiple playoff appearances, and helped elevate Denver to a major basketball market. By laying this groundwork, the Denver Rockets history ensured that the Nuggets entered the NBA as one of the most competitive teams of the merger era, leaving a lasting legacy on professional basketball in Denver.
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Retired Number
2 / Alex English
12 / Lafayette “Fat” Lever
33 / David Thompson
40 / Byron Beck
44 / Dan Issel
55 / Dikembe Mutombo
432 / Doug Moe
*Blue is this team’s history