The 1969–70 Denver Rockets were powered by one of the ABA’s most dynamic duos, with Spencer Haywood dominating as an elite interior scorer and rebounder while Larry Jones provided high-level scoring and primary playmaking from the backcourt. Byron Beck added efficient frontcourt production and strong rebounding, giving Denver balance inside. The team relied on its star talent, combining a potent offense with a commanding presence on the boards.
Here is the Denver Rockets (1969–70 ABA Season) roster and regular season player statistics. The team was still known as the Denver Rockets during this season (not yet the Nuggets).
Led the ABA in both scoring and rebounding in 1969‑70, a dominant two‑way force. He was a lightning rod off-court too: his contract dispute in 1970–71 and ensuing legal battle helped reshape pro basketball’s rules.
ABA MVP, ABA ROY, All-Star
Larry Jones
Lead Guard Scorer
40.4
High – leading creator and scorer
24.9
~5.2†
~5.7†
~1.0†
~18.4
Veteran guard known for his jump-shot scoring; in 1970–71 he was the Rockets’ only consistent veteran scorer after Haywood’s exit.
All-Star (ABA)
Byron Beck
Steady Big / Glue
31.1
Medium – consistent frontcourt contributor
12.9
9.7
~1.4†
~1.0†
~12.0
Longtime Rocket who played through the ABA era; provided veteran stability, solid rebounding, and inside scoring.
–
Jeff Congdon
Backup Floor-Handler
29.7
Medium‑Low – secondary playmaker
9.8
~2.8†
5.4
~0.8†
~9.4
Served as primary backup point guard, facilitating offense and closing quarters; career steady veteran.
–
Lonnie Wright
Wing Scorer / Athletic Guard
28.3
Medium – two-way scoring guard
12.2
~2.7†
~1.9†
~0.8†
~8.8
Athletic guard who contributed scoring off the wing; gave the Rockets youth and energy on both ends.
–
Julian Hammond
Frontcourt Role Player
26.8
Medium‑Low – complementary forward
12.0
6.8
~1.6†
~1.0†
~10.7
Provided solid minutes at SF, hitting efficiently (~.498 FG) and helping with defensive rebounding.
–
Julius Keye
Reserve Big
21.3
Low – backup post presence
7.9
~6.9†
~0.6†
~0.8†
~7.6
Served as a secondary center, giving rest to starters and contributing in rebounding and interior defense.
–
Walt Piatkowski
Stretch Forward
17.6
Low – role forward
7.0
~3.4†
~0.6†
~0.5†
~5.8
Provided occasional scoring and floor spacing, with a smooth touch and ability to stretch the defense.
–
Floyd Theard
Spot Playmaker
16.2
Very Low – deep bench PG
3.8
~2.0†
~1.8†
~0.4†
~4.0
Served as a reserve point guard, bringing veteran leadership and ball-handling in limited minutes.
–
Dwight Waller
Deep Rotation Big
12.4
Very Low – minimal frontcourt role
4.1
~5.4†
~0.6†
~0.5†
~5.3
Played sparingly as a backup big; used in specific matchups or garbage time.
–
Lonnie Lynn
Development Wing
11.7
Very Low – fringe rotation
4.0
~4.2†
~0.3†
~0.4†
~4.4
Young wing getting limited exposure; likely viewed as developmental piece rather than key contributor.
–
Ben Warley
Veteran Depth
11.3
Very Low – depth SF
4.6
~2.6†
~0.7†
~0.5†
~4.2
Added experience off the bench; likely signed for leadership and situational matchups.
–
Greg Wittman
Fringe Big
9.1
Very Low – end-of-depth chart
3.9
~2.0†
~0.3†
~0.4†
~3.3
Limited minutes, likely called upon in very specific game situations or mop-up roles.
–
Cliff Anderson
Spot Guard
7.3
Very Low – emergency guard depth
2.0
~1.3†
~1.3†
~0.4†
~2.5
Extremely limited usage, possibly signed for emergency depth or end-of-bench situations.
–
* STK (steals + blocks) are not reliably tracked in ABA box scores for 1970–71, so the values above are proxy estimates. † Impact Index estimates use these proxy STK values in the formula (PPG + RPG + APG + STK) ÷ 2.
