Denver Nuggets receive rings, see title banner unveiled - ESPN

DENVER — Nikola Jokic alternated his gaze between the flashy ring on his left hand and the new championship banner heading toward the rafters.

Both put a big grin on the big man's face.

Jokic and the Denver Nuggets went through a festive pregame ceremony Tuesday night to celebrate the franchise's first NBA title in front of a capacity crowd. The Nuggets tipped off the season against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers with their new title — defending champions.

It certainly had a nice ring to it. A long time coming, too — 47 NBA seasons in the making.

«Last year was amazing,» Nuggets coach Michael Malone said to the fans. «We got one ring. Who wants another? Let's go get it.»

On hand for the festivities was NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. So, too, was Stan Kroenke, the owner of the Nuggets and Josh Kroenke, the team's president. Josh Kroenke brought the Larry O'Brien Trophy to midcourt to begin the party.

The Nuggets went 16-4 in the playoffs last season, including a sweep of the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. Perhaps it was fitting that James and the Lakers were in the building for the opener and to hear the celebration.

«It's only right since last season ended in Denver, makes sense that this season starts in Denver, too,» Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon said. «Thank you for coming out and supporting tonight and all season long on our road to repeat.»

Player by player, the Nuggets stepped onto the court to receive rings that were created in collaboration with Jason of Beverly Hills, which designs championship rings that help tell the story. The rings that Jokic, Jamal Murray and the rest of the players received had one side with «World Champions» written on it, along with the Nuggets retro logo and the