A wave of emotion and nostalgia swept through Ball Arena today as the Denver Nuggets announced that franchise legend Alex English has officially returned to the organization. English, the all-time leading scorer in Nuggets history and one of the most elegant forwards to ever play the game, has rejoined the team in a new role as Senior Coaching Advisor.
The news broke early Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves across the NBA world and delighting long-time Nuggets fans who have waited years to see one of their greatest players back with the team. English’s new position will focus on player development, leadership training, and mentoring young talent—especially wings and forwards looking to follow in his Hall of Fame footsteps.
A LEGEND COMES HOME
Standing tall in a navy-blue suit emblazoned with a gold Nuggets pin, English was introduced by Denver Nuggets President of Basketball Operations Calvin Booth during a special press conference. Behind him was a massive banner that read: “WELCOME BACK, ALEX.”
“It’s hard to put into words what this moment means to me,” English said, visibly emotional. “Denver isn’t just where I played — it’s where I grew as a man, as a leader, and as a professional. I’m honored and humbled to return in this new capacity and help guide the next generation of Nuggets.”
Now 70 years old, English remains an icon in the Denver community. He played 11 seasons with the Nuggets (1980–1990), racking up over 21,000 points for the franchise, earning eight NBA All-Star selections, and becoming the first player in league history to score 2,000 points in eight consecutive seasons. His smooth mid-range game, leadership, and professionalism earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.
WHAT HIS ROLE ENTAILS
As Senior Coaching Advisor, English will work closely with the Nuggets’ coaching staff, headed by Michael Malone. He will not be a front-line assistant coach but will instead serve as a mentor and teacher for the players, particularly focusing on offensive development, basketball IQ, and off-court professionalism.
“Alex brings wisdom and a perspective that only someone with his résumé can provide,” Coach Malone said. “He was the ultimate pro — consistent, unselfish, lethal offensively, and graceful in everything he did. Our guys are going to benefit tremendously from having him around.”
English will also assist with player transition, helping rookies adjust to NBA life, advising veterans on career longevity, and working with international players navigating the cultural shift into the American basketball system.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
The announcement couldn’t have come at a more critical moment. The Nuggets are fresh off a disappointing early exit in the 2025 playoffs after winning the NBA title in 2023. With key pieces like Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray still anchoring the roster, the organization is retooling for another deep postseason run.
“There’s a hunger in this group,” English noted. “I’ve watched them grow over the past few years, and I believe they’re capable of more. My job is to help bring that out of them — not by changing what they do, but by helping them understand how great they can be.”
A REUNION THAT FANS ADORE
News of English’s return sparked an outpouring of excitement from Nuggets fans both online and in the Denver community.
“He IS the Nuggets,” tweeted one longtime fan. “Nobody scored more, nobody did it classier.”
Another wrote: “Finally! The franchise’s all-time great is back where he belongs. Thank you, Nuggets front office!”
Outside Ball Arena, fans gathered within hours of the press conference, chanting “Alex! Alex!” and holding signs that read “Once a Nugget, Always a Nugget” and “#2 in Our Hearts.”
Merchandise stores near the arena quickly restocked classic Alex English jerseys, and local sports radio stations ran tribute segments throughout the day, playing old Nuggets highlights and English’s memorable interviews.
ENGLISH’S LONGSTANDING CONNECTION
Though English has been away from the organization in an official capacity for over three decades, he never truly left. He’s made numerous appearances at Nuggets games, participated in alumni events, and remained a vocal supporter of Denver basketball.
“I’ve watched Jokić play and I love his style,” English said during the press conference. “He reminds me of how we used to play — sharing the ball, reading the game, letting the offense flow.”
In recent years, English also held assistant coaching positions with the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings. He’s known for his thoughtful, player-first approach and his calm demeanor — traits that players across the league respect.
JOKIĆ, MURRAY, AND YOUNG NUGGETS REACT
The current Nuggets roster wasted no time showing their appreciation. Star center Nikola Jokić told reporters, “Alex English is a legend, and having him here means we’re serious about winning and growing. I want to learn as much as I can from him.”
Jamal Murray posted on Instagram: “Salute to greatness. Welcome back OG!”
Younger players like Peyton Watson and Christian Braun also expressed their excitement about working with someone who not only understands the game at a high level but lived it at the highest stage.
BUILDING THE FUTURE ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE PAST
The Nuggets’ move to bring back English also signals a broader organizational shift toward embracing their history — something many fans feel has long been overdue.
“We have to celebrate our past if we want to build a winning future,” said GM Calvin Booth. “Our fans remember Alex English because of what he did, but our players will remember him because of who he is.”
English echoed that sentiment in his closing remarks:
“This team has everything it needs to be great again. And I’m here to help. Not to relive the past — but to build something even better.”
FINAL WORD
As the lights dimmed in Ball Arena and the crowd dispersed, there was a palpable buzz in the air — not just from the media frenzy or the flash of cameras, but from the collective heartbeat of a fanbase that had just been reunited with one of its most cherished heroes.
Alex English’s return to the Nuggets isn’t just a story about basketball. It’s a story about loyalty, legacy, and love for a city and team that helped shape a legend. With English back in the fold, the Nuggets are not only honoring their past — they’re securing a stronger, smarter, and more inspired future.
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