[1] The Nuggets had the fifth overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft, and selected Nikoloz Tskitishvili from the Republic of Georgia.
[2][3][4][5] Prior to the start of the season, the Nuggets acquired Marcus Camby and top draft pick Nenê Hilario from the New York Knicks,[6] acquired second-year guard Rodney White from the Detroit Pistons, signed free agents Mark Blount and undrafted rookie Junior Harrington, and acquired Chris Whitney from the Washington Wizards.
Also, that same month, Whitney was released and signed with the Orlando Magic for the rest of the season.
They lost their final eight games finishing last place in the Midwest Division and in the league with 17 wins and 65 losses, the franchise's worst record since 1997–98.
Juwan Howard led the team with 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, while Nenê averaged 10.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, and was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.