Here is the Denver Nuggets 1967–68 roster and regular season player statistics. Note that during this season, the team was actually known as the Denver Rockets, playing in the ABA (American Basketball Association).
Anchored the Rockets’ offense in their inaugural ABA season; his scoring (22.9 PPG) and playmaking made him one of the first team’s foundational stars.
MVP-4, All-Star
Willie Murrell
Two‑Way Wing
35.1
Medium
16.4
9.0
0.9
~0.9†
~13.6
Provided strong rebounding (9.0 RPG) and reliable scoring from the forward spot in the Rockets’ first season.
—
Wayne Hightower
Frontcourt Scorer‑Rebounder
33.2
Medium
17.3
7.2
1.9
~0.9†
~13.6
Offered a physical presence in the paint, combining mid‑range scoring with solid rebounding to anchor the frontcourt.
—
Grant Simmons
Secondary Ball-Handler
29.0
Medium‑Low
10.2
3.1
2.3
~0.6†
~8.1
As the primary backup point guard, he provided steady playmaking and rotational minutes in the backcourt.
—
Lonnie Wright
Spot Scoring Guard
23.6
Low
9.8
2.5
1.8
~0.7†
~7.4
Played a depth scoring role off the bench, giving bursts of offense and competent guard defense.
—
Byron Beck
Rebound & Energy Big
22.9
Low
9.4
7.9
0.5
~0.8†
~9.3
Despite limited minutes, Beck showed tenacity on the boards and provided the Rockets with hustle and second-chance opportunities.
—
Tom Hoover
Role Big / Backup C
22.7
Very Low
6.5
7.0
0.9
~0.7†
~7.6
Served as a backup center, giving key rest to frontcourt starters and contributing on the glass.
—
Willis Thomas
Wing Depth
22.6
Low
12.3
2.4
1.0
~0.8†
~8.8
Provided scoring depth on the wing; his per-game average shows effective offensive bursts in limited time.
—
Tommie Bowens
Role PF
19.2
Very Low
6.1
5.6
0.6
~0.7†
~6.5
Played a supporting role at power forward, contributing modest scoring and rebounding off the bench.
—
Julian Hammond
Young Forward
18.4
Very Low
8.0
4.4
0.8
~0.6†
~6.9
At just 24, provided efficient shooting (.489 FG) and showed promise as a wing contributor in the franchise’s first year.
—
Richie Moore
Journeyman Guard
11.7
Very Low
3.8
1.1
0.4
~0.4†
~3.9
Limited minutes as a young guard, likely used for depth and spot playmaking.
—
Chuck Gardner
Role PF
11.6
Very Low
4.7
3.2
0.3
~0.6†
~4.4
Saw very sparse playing time; used in low-leverage situations for frontcourt depth.
—
Jeff Congdon
Developmental PG
9.7
Very Low
3.9
0.8
1.4
~0.5†
~3.3
A young point guard getting limited minutes but gaining experience in the pro setting.
—
John Morrison
Minimal Rotation
8.4
Very Low
3.0
1.0
0.8
~0.3†
~2.6
Rarely played (only 9 games), likely a deep bench piece with very limited impact.
—
Ron Horn
Emergency Depth
6.0
Very Low
2.0
1.0
0.0
~0.2†
~1.6
Played only one game; effectively a reserve for situational depth.
—
R.B. Lynam
Fringe Roster
5.6
Very Low
2.4
0.7
0.0
~0.2†
~1.6
Saw very limited minutes across a handful of games; minimal role.
—
* STK (steals + blocks) are estimated proxies — this data is largely unavailable for ABA in that era. † Impact Index = (PPG + RPG + APG + STK) ÷ 2, using the proxy STK values.
