Denver Nuggets Honor Coaching Legend Doug Moe

Team reflects on Moe's impact as they push to steady season amid injuries

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Denver Nuggets paid tribute to the late Doug Moe, the pioneering coach who helped revolutionize the NBA's offensive style during his decade-long tenure with the team in the 1980s. Current Nuggets coach David Adelman spoke about Moe's influence and how his wide-open, motion-based offense paved the way for the up-tempo style the league is known for today. The team also discussed the challenges they've faced this season with key injuries, but remain confident they have the talent and experience to make a deep playoff run and contend for a championship.

Why it matters

Doug Moe was a trailblazer whose innovative offensive approach helped transform the NBA game. His tenure with the Nuggets in the 1980s is remembered as a high-scoring, entertaining era of basketball that foreshadowed the modern NBA's emphasis on pace and space. Honoring Moe's legacy is important for the Nuggets franchise and the league as a whole.

The details

The Nuggets spent time Wednesday reflecting on Moe's impact, with coach David Adelman ensuring the younger players understood his significance. Moe, who died at age 87, is credited with pioneering the motion offense that has become a staple of the modern NBA. The Nuggets are currently dealing with their own injury issues, missing key defensive players Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, but remain confident they have the talent to contend for a championship led by MVP Nikola Jokic.

  • Doug Moe passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The Nuggets discussed Moe's legacy and impact on the team and league during their practice on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Doug Moe

A pioneering NBA coach who is credited with revolutionizing the league's offensive style during his decade-long tenure with the Denver Nuggets in the 1980s.

David Adelman

The current head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who spoke about Moe's influence and the importance of honoring his legacy.

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star player and reigning NBA MVP, who is leading the team's championship aspirations.

Cam Johnson

A forward for the Denver Nuggets who discussed the team's championship mentality and belief that they have not yet reached their full potential.

Jonas Valanciunas

The Denver Nuggets' starting center, who emphasized the team's need to improve their defensive performance to complement their elite offense.

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What they’re saying

“For the younger guys who maybe didn't know the impact he had on the game, we made sure that was communicated. Obviously, a Denver sports legend. And for somebody like me who grew up around this league and saw the innovation of offense that he brought to the NBA, I think he doesn't get enough credit for the wide-open freestyle that we play now.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets

“You see his name up in the rafters and all that he's accomplished. You talk about these people who are the pioneers of our game, who pushed the envelope and allowed us to have what we have and the type of league that we have now.”

— Cam Johnson, Forward, Denver Nuggets

“Our offense has been elite throughout the year; our defense has been up and down. So, if we could find a happy medium there we'll be a very dangerous team.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to build on their tribute to Doug Moe as they push to steady their season and make a run at the NBA championship. Key injured players like Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson will need to return to full health in order to bolster the team's defense and help them reach their full potential.

The takeaway

Doug Moe's legacy as a pioneering NBA coach who helped revolutionize the league's offensive style will continue to be felt through the Nuggets' current up-tempo, motion-based approach. The team's ability to honor Moe's impact while also addressing their own defensive shortcomings will be crucial as they aim to capture their first championship since the Nikola Jokic era began.