Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Mat Diekhake
League Search Page > NBA > Denver Nuggets > Roster & Statistics
Here is the Denver Nuggets 1978–79 NBA Season roster and regular season player statistics.
Team: Denver Nuggets (1978–79 NBA Season)
Roster
| No. | Player | Pos | Ht | Wt | Birth Date | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | George McGinnis | F | 6-8 | 235 | Aug 12, 1950 | Indiana |
| 11 | Mike Evans | G | 6-1 | 170 | Apr 19, 1955 | Kansas State |
| 12 | Monte Towe | G | 5-7 | 150 | Sep 27, 1953 | NC State |
| 20 | Anthony Roberts | F | 6-6 | 195 | Apr 15, 1955 | Oral Roberts |
| 21 | Glen Gondrezick | F | 6-6 | 205 | Aug 30, 1953 | UNLV |
| 22 | David Thompson | G/F | 6-4 | 195 | Jul 13, 1954 | NC State |
| 23 | Bo Ellis | F | 6-9 | 200 | Aug 8, 1954 | Marquette |
| 24 | Ted McClain | G | 6-1 | 180 | Aug 30, 1946 | Tennessee State |
| 30 | George T. Johnson | C | 6-11 | 210 | Dec 18, 1948 | Stephen F. Austin |
| 41 | Tom LaGarde | C/F | 6-10 | 220 | Feb 10, 1955 | North Carolina |
| 44 | Dan Issel | C/F | 6-9 | 235 | Oct 25, 1948 | Kentucky |
| 50 | Campy Russell | F | 6-8 | 215 | Jan 12, 1952 | Michigan |
Roster changes occurred mid-season. George McGinnis was acquired in a trade that sent Bobby Jones to Philadelphia.
1978-79 Regular Season Per Game
| Player Name | Pos | Age | G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TPG | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Thompson | SG | 24 | 76 | 35.1 | 24.0 | 3.6 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 17.8 | .512 | 0 | .000 | 7.7 | .753 | |
| Dan Issel | C | 30 | 81 | 33.9 | 17.0 | 9.1 | 3.1 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 2.1 | 12.7 | .517 | 0 | .000 | 5.2 | .754 | |
| George McGinnis | PF | 28 | 76 | 33.6 | 22.6 | 11.4 | 3.7 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 4.6 | 16.8 | .474 | 0 | .000 | 10.1 | .665 | |
| Charlie Scott | PG | 30 | 79 | 33.1 | 12.0 | 2.7 | 5.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 3.2 | 10.8 | .460 | 0 | .000 | 2.7 | .749 | |
| Bob Wilkerson | SF | 24 | 80 | 30.3 | 11.4 | 5.2 | 3.6 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 2.5 | 10.9 | .456 | 0 | .000 | 2.2 | .688 | |
| Tom Boswell | PF | 25 | 79 | 27.9 | 10.6 | 6.8 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 2.3 | 7.6 | .532 | 0 | .000 | 3.6 | .697 | |
| Anthony Roberts | SF | 23 | 63 | 19.6 | 7.9 | 4.1 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 7.9 | .424 | 0 | .000 | 1.7 | .691 | |
| Robert Smith | PG | 23 | 82 | 18.0 | 6.4 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 5.3 | .422 | 0 | .000 | 2.2 | .883 | |
| Kim Hughes | C | 26 | 81 | 13.4 | 2.6 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 2.2 | .538 | 0 | .000 | 0.6 | .400 | |
| Bo Ellis | PF | 24 | 42 | 6.4 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 2.2 | .457 | 0 | .000 | 0.9 | .806 | |
| Phil Hicks | SF | 26 | 20 | 6.4 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 2.2 | .419 | 0 | .000 | 0.3 | .600 | |
| John Kuester | PG | 23 | 33 | 6.4 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 1.6 | .308 | 0 | .000 | 0.4 | .929 | |
| Geoff Crompton | C | 23 | 20 | 4.4 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 1.3 | .385 | 0 | .000 | 0.6 | .500 | |
| Team Totals | 82 | 240.3 | 110.7 | 47.6 | 26.4 | 8.2 | 5.1 | 20.3 | 89.2 | .481 | 0 | .000 | 34.6 | .720 |
1978-79 Playoff Per Game
| Player Name | Pos | Age | G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TPG | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Thompson | SG | 24 | 3 | 40.7 | 28.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 4.0 | 23.0 | .551 | 0 | .000 | 3.7 | .727 | |
| Tom Boswell | PF | 25 | 3 | 40.0 | 17.3 | 9.0 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 11.7 | .600 | 0 | .000 | 4.3 | .769 | |
| Dan Issel | C | 30 | 3 | 36.3 | 24.3 | 9.3 | 3.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.0 | 15.0 | .533 | 0 | .000 | 10.3 | .806 | |
| Charlie Scott | PG | 30 | 3 | 34.7 | 16.0 | 4.7 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 3.3 | 14.0 | .476 | 0 | .000 | 4.7 | .571 | |
| Bob Wilkerson | SF | 24 | 3 | 33.7 | 9.7 | 8.7 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 11.3 | .412 | 0 | .000 | 1.0 | .333 | |
| Anthony Roberts | SF | 23 | 3 | 26.7 | 11.0 | 4.3 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 11.0 | .394 | 0 | .000 | 3.7 | .636 | |
| Kim Hughes | C | 26 | 3 | 11.7 | 1.0 | 3.7 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.7 | .500 | 0 | .000 | 0.7 | .500 | |
| Robert Smith | PG | 23 | 3 | 8.3 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 2.3 | .000 | 0 | .000 | 0.7 | 1.000 | |
| Bo Ellis | PF | 24 | 3 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 2.0 | .333 | 0 | .000 | 0.7 | 1.000 | |
| Team Totals | 3 | 240.0 | 110.0 | 48.7 | 24.7 | 6.7 | 3.7 | 17.3 | 91.0 | .487 | 0 | .000 | 29.7 | .719 |
1978-79 Regular Season Totals
| Player | Pos | Age | GP | GS | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | FGA | FGM | 3PA | 3PM | FTA | FTM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Issel | C | 30 | 81 | 2742 | 1380 | 738 | 255 | 61 | 46 | 171 | 1030 | 532 | 0 | 0 | 419 | 316 | |
| David Thompson | SG | 24 | 76 | 2670 | 1825 | 274 | 225 | 70 | 82 | 186 | 1353 | 693 | 0 | 0 | 583 | 439 | |
| Charlie Scott | PG | 30 | 79 | 2617 | 947 | 210 | 428 | 78 | 30 | 255 | 854 | 393 | 0 | 0 | 215 | 161 | |
| George McGinnis | PF | 28 | 76 | 2552 | 1715 | 864 | 283 | 129 | 52 | 346 | 1273 | 603 | 0 | 0 | 765 | 509 | |
| Bob Wilkerson | SF | 24 | 80 | 2425 | 911 | 414 | 284 | 118 | 21 | 196 | 869 | 396 | 0 | 0 | 173 | 119 | |
| Tom Boswell | PF | 25 | 79 | 2201 | 840 | 538 | 242 | 50 | 51 | 185 | 603 | 321 | 0 | 0 | 284 | 198 | |
| Robert Smith | PG | 23 | 82 | 1479 | 527 | 146 | 208 | 58 | 13 | 95 | 436 | 184 | 0 | 0 | 180 | 159 | |
| Anthony Roberts | SF | 23 | 63 | 1236 | 498 | 258 | 107 | 20 | 2 | 65 | 498 | 211 | 0 | 0 | 110 | 76 | |
| Kim Hughes | C | 26 | 81 | 1086 | 214 | 335 | 74 | 56 | 102 | 78 | 182 | 98 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 18 | |
| Bo Ellis | PF | 24 | 42 | 269 | 113 | 62 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 22 | 92 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 29 | |
| John Kuester | PG | 23 | 33 | 212 | 45 | 13 | 37 | 18 | 1 | 20 | 52 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 13 | |
| Phil Hicks | SF | 26 | 20 | 128 | 39 | 28 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 13 | 43 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | |
| Geoff Crompton | C | 23 | 20 | 88 | 26 | 23 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 26 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 6 | |
| Team Totals | 82 | 19705 | 9080 | 3903 | 2166 | 673 | 416 | 1644 | 7311 | 3517 | 0 | 0 | 2841 | 2046 |
1978-79 Playoff Totals
| Ply | Pos | Age | GP | GS | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | Stl | Blk | Tov | FGA | FGM | 3PA | 3PM | FTA | FTM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Thompson | 24 | 3 | 122 | 84 | 21 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 69 | 38 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 8 | ||
| Tom Boswell | 25 | 3 | 120 | 52 | 27 | 16 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 35 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 10 | ||
| Dan Issel | 30 | 3 | 109 | 73 | 28 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 45 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 25 | ||
| Charlie Scott | 30 | 3 | 104 | 48 | 14 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 42 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 8 | ||
| Bob Wilkerson | 24 | 3 | 101 | 29 | 26 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 34 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | ||
| Anthony Roberts | 23 | 3 | 80 | 33 | 13 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 33 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 7 | ||
| Kim Hughes | 26 | 3 | 35 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Robert Smith | 23 | 3 | 25 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | ||
| Bo Ellis | 24 | 3 | 24 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | ||
| Team Totals | 3 | 720 | 330 | 146 | 74 | 20 | 11 | 51 | 273 | 133 | 0 | 0 | 89 | 64 |
Team Impact Index
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG+ BPG) | Impact Index* | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Thompson | Explosive Scoring Alpha | 35.1 | High (primary scorer) | 24.0 | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 16.3 | In his second pro season, Thompson was the go-to scorer for Denver. Known for his high-flying play, thunderous finishes, and ability to create in transition. He also contributed defensively, with a solid steal and block rate for a guard. | ABA Rookie of Year; All-Star (per your data) |
| George McGinnis | Two-Way Frontcourt Scorer | 33.6 | High (scoring + playmaking) | 22.6 | 11.4 | 3.7 | 2.4 | 20.05 | McGinnis operated as Denver’s power forward with a highly versatile offensive profile. He not only scored and rebounded at high volume, but also made plays for teammates, showing strong vision for a big. His steal + block combined shows he was active defensively. | All-Star (per your data) |
| Dan Issel | Post Anchor / Inside Scorer | 33.9 | Medium-High (scoring + rebounder) | 17.0 | 9.1 | 3.1 | 1.4 | 15.3 | Issel was the rugged workhorse center: dominant on the boards, efficient in the post, and a stabilizing presence for Denver’s frontcourt. | — |
| Charlie Scott | Lead Guard / Facilitator | 33.1 | Medium (playmaker + scorer) | 12.0 | 2.7 | 5.4 | 1.4 | 10.75 | Scott ran the offense, generating quality assists and scoring in secondary fashion. His experience and court vision helped anchor the guard rotation. He also had modest defensive contributions. | — |
| Bob Wilkerson | Wing Glue / Two-Way Contributor | 30.3 | Medium (balanced) | 11.4 | 5.2 | 3.6 | 1.8 | 11.0 | Wilkerson carved out a valuable two-way role: capable scorer, steady passer, and active in defense (notably steals), giving Denver flexibility on the wing. | — |
| Tom Boswell | Reserve Big / Secondary Creator | 27.9 | Low-Medium (spot scoring + rebounding) | 10.6 | 6.8 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 10.85 | Boswell provided important frontcourt depth. He grabbed a fair number of boards, could hit open shots, and occasionally facilitated in the second unit. | — |
| Anthony Roberts | Young Wing Role Player | 19.6 | Low (developmental) | 7.9 | 4.1 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 6.95 | Roberts was still developing, playing fewer minutes, but contributing as a secondary scorer and rebounder in his role off the bench. | — |
| Robert Smith | Backup Guard / Change-of-Pace PG | 18.0 | Low (relief ball-handler) | 6.4 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 5.8 | Smith offered Denver depth at the guard spot. He came in to relieve primary ball handlers, ran the offense in short stretches, and gave some scoring pop. | — |
| Kim Hughes | Defensive Big / Rim Protector | 13.4 | Minimal-Medium (defensive specialist) | 2.6 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 4.8 | Hughes wasn’t a major scoring threat but made his mark defensively: his blocks per game suggest he helped protect the rim in his limited minutes. | — |
| Bo Ellis | Situational Forward | 6.4 | Minimal (spot minutes) | 2.7 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 2.45 | Very limited role, used mostly in low-leverage situations or for brief rest for other forwards. | — |
| Phil Hicks | Deep Bench Wing | 6.4 | Minimal | 2.0 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 2.05 | Fringe rotation player, saw garbage or low-stakes minutes. | — |
| John Kuester | Emergency Point Guard | 6.4 | Minimal | 1.4 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.7 | Provided depth at the point; used sporadically when needed to give main guards a breather. | — |
| Geoff Crompton | Emergency Big / Young Center | 4.4 | Minimal | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 1.5 | Barely used, likely only in blowouts or when reserves were needed. | — |
*Impact Index = (PPG + RPG + APG + STK) ÷ 2